Estimator

This role is based onsite in a manufacturing facility in downtown Wichita, offering full-time benefits within a dynamic environment focused on aviation-related projects.

About the role

The Estimator plays a key role in analyzing requirements, blueprints, and project plans to develop accurate cost, material, and labor estimates for manufacturing projects. This position manages a high volume of requests for quotation (RFQs), collaborates closely with vendors and contractors, and presents well-supported cost analyses to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Analyze requirement documents, blueprints, and project plans to gain a thorough understanding of each project.
• Determine the factors of production that influence the cost of a service or product, including materials, labor, and external services.
• Prepare detailed material estimates and cost estimates for products and services in a manufacturing environment.
• Create comprehensive labor estimates for projects, including aviation-related work, ensuring accuracy and competitiveness.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with company vendors and contractors to support accurate pricing and timely quotations.
• Manage and organize bids from vendors and contractors, ensuring all information is complete and up to date.
• Use bid data and RFQ information to prepare detailed cost analyses that support pricing decisions and project feasibility.
• Handle a high volume of RFQs, managing approximately 30 or more requests for quotation per week while maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Present prepared estimates and cost analyses to management in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external partners to obtain and share information needed for accurate estimating.
• Comply with internal instructions, procedures, standards, and policies, exercising professional discretion in all estimating activities.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers by responding promptly and professionally to estimate-related inquiries.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in handling sensitive cost and pricing information.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the estimating function and overall work unit.

Requirements

• 3+ years of planning and estimating experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally including aviation-related projects.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings.
• Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Experience using CAD/CAM systems to support estimating activities.
• Advanced computer competency with the ability to effectively use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with ERP systems in a manufacturing or production setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals inside and outside the organization.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and effectively meet deadlines in a high-volume RFQ environment.
• Good judgment, problem-solving, and analytical abilities to develop accurate and competitive cost and labor estimates.
• Ability to comply with organizational instructions, procedures, standards, and policies while exercising professional discretion.
• Demonstrated professionalism and the ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive cost and pricing data.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Qualifications

• Familiarity with manufacturing planning processes and estimating best practices.
• Understanding of labor cost drivers and how they impact overall project costs.
• Knowledge of organizational mission, purpose, and goals, and how the estimating function supports their achievement.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with vendors, contractors, and internal teams.
• Comfort working with aviation-related RFQs and industry-specific requirements.
• Interest in professional growth within a role that offers long-term development opportunities.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in a manufacturing facility located in downtown Wichita. The role operates in a hands-on production environment where collaboration with engineering, planning, and operations teams is common. You will work extensively with ERP systems, CAD/CAM tools, and standard office software to manage RFQs and develop estimates. The environment supports professional growth and offers full-time employment with benefits, with day-to-day work centered around active manufacturing operations and aviation-related projects.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year.

Benefits

• 401k
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and holiday pay

Schedule

This is a permanent, full-time, fully onsite position based in Wichita, KS.