Manufacturing Estimator
About The Position
The Manufacturing Estimator prepares accurate cost estimates and quotations for aerospace, defense, space, and commercial manufacturing programs. The role reviews customer requirements and technical documentation to determine labor, material, processing, and manufacturing needs, then coordinates with internal teams and external suppliers to develop competitive quotes aligned with customer expectations, production capabilities, and company objectives. The estimator works with Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, business development, operations stakeholders, customers, and suppliers. The position requires knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes, careful attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple quoting activities in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment. It is full-time, exempt, and 100% onsite at the Cape Canaveral, Florida location. Core business hours are Monday through Friday, 0600 to 1530; schedules and overtime may vary based on business needs. Occasional travel may be required.
Requirements
- At least 4 years of machine shop estimating and quoting experience for medium- to high-complexity aerospace or precision manufacturing parts.
- Experience estimating and quoting CNC machining operations, including CNC milling and turning.
- Ability to read, interpret, and analyze engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and manufacturing documentation.
- Knowledge of tooling requirements, machining processes, and production planning methods.
- Experience estimating and quoting in a low- to medium-volume job shop manufacturing environment.
- Experience using ERP systems for manufacturing planning and quoting.
- Understanding of machining metallics, plastics, composites, honeycomb core, and ablative materials.
- Understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and technical drawing interpretation.
- Ability to identify manufacturing requirements, develop solutions, and resolve technical challenges.
- Ability to understand inspection methods, measurement tools, and quality requirements.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
- Effective written and verbal English communication with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision while supporting team objectives.
- Professional working proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
- Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments, with occasional exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, industrial equipment, and temperature variations.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstation.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry, keyboarding, and mouse use.
- Ability to view computer screens for prolonged periods.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via email.
- Ability to use a computer to complete assignments.
- Must meet U.S. Government export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with JobBoss or similar manufacturing ERP systems.
- CNC programming experience.
- Aerospace manufacturing estimating experience.
- Experience working in an AS9100-certified manufacturing environment.
- Experience with composites, thermal protection systems, or advanced manufacturing materials.
Responsibilities
- Organize and prepare customer quote and proposal packages using formats and systems such as MS PowerPoint, MS Word, and Epicor ERP, coordinating input from business development, engineering, and operations stakeholders.
- Review customer RFQs, drawings, specifications, blueprints, and related documentation to determine scope and requirements.
- Develop manufacturing plans identifying processes, equipment, tooling, programming requirements, setup operations, materials, labor hours, and outside processing needs.
- Prepare cost estimates and quotations using labor rates, overhead rates, material costs, and supplier pricing.
- Evaluate requirements for CNC machining, fabrication, composites, and other aerospace manufacturing processes.
- Interpret technical specifications, quality clauses, material requirements, and customer requirements to identify risks and ensure compliance.
- Obtain pricing from approved external processing suppliers and procure materials through the company purchasing system as required.
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to understand production capabilities and develop effective manufacturing approaches.
- Prepare formal price and delivery quotations for internal and external customers.
- Communicate with customers, suppliers, and internal teams about quotations, requirements, and project updates.
- Follow up on open RFQs and proposals and update quotations as needed.
- Maintain accurate RFQ and proposal tracking records for reporting and key performance indicators.
- Perform risk assessments and identify potential cost, schedule, and manufacturing challenges.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with customers and suppliers.
- Follow 5S standards and health, safety, and environmental guidelines.
- Support cross-functional operations as needed.
Benefits
- Company-paid employee medical insurance.
- Company-paid dental insurance.
- Company-paid vision insurance.
- 401(k) company match, subject to eligibility.
- Paid sick leave.
- Paid vacation.
- Paid holidays.
- Discretionary bonuses.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
