MasterCAM

Carolinas Talent Group•Elmwood Park, IL

14h

About The Position

The Project Estimator leads the estimating function in a precision machining or custom manufacturing environment. This strategic, technical role combines shop-floor knowledge with the ability to develop accurate manufacturing estimates and practical production plans. The position supports manufacturing accuracy, efficiency, and profitability through process planning, cost estimation, and collaboration with engineering and production teams. The role involves reviewing engineering documentation, selecting manufacturing methods, calculating machining times and costs, assessing production risks, and preparing estimates for custom and precision-machined components. AutoCAD or SolidWorks is used to support estimating and production planning. The estimator also evaluates outside processing and works to improve estimating accuracy, manufacturability, and quoting efficiency.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent technical discipline.
Hands-on manufacturing or machine shop experience in a precision machining or custom manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
Strong blueprint and GD&T interpretation skills.
Knowledge of welding and fabrication, including fabrication prints.
Strong experience with CNC machining and machine setup.
CNC programming or manufacturing process development experience.
Experience calculating machining setup and cycle times for milling and turning.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

MasterCAM or other CAM programming experience.
Custom manufacturing estimating experience.
Ability to develop accurate cost and labor estimates.
Experience setting up and operating milling and turning equipment.
Experience estimating custom, short-run, or precision-machined components.
Job costing, routing, and machine shop quoting experience.
Experience with manufacturing ERP/MRP systems.
Experience with large or complex machined parts.

Responsibilities

Review blueprints, engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements.
Determine manufacturing methods and develop process plans for CNC milling, turning, grinding, and inspection.
Calculate setup and machining cycle times, particularly for milling and turning.
Estimate labor, materials, tooling, machining, and production costs.
Evaluate outside processing such as heat treating, plating, and specialty coatings.
Identify manufacturing risks involving tolerances, GD&T, materials, and tooling.
Prepare accurate estimates for custom and precision-machined components.
Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure estimates are practical and manufacturable.
Improve estimating accuracy, manufacturability, and quoting efficiency.