Estimator

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates using customer drawings, specifications, models, purchase requirements, and related documentation.
• Accurately estimate CNC machine setup, programming, inspection, and production run times.
• Analyze material, labor, tooling, outside processing, inspection, packaging, and subcontractor costs.
• Review customer and contractual flowdown requirements and include all applicable costs and lead-time considerations in each estimate.
• Identify DoD, defense, aerospace, and regulatory requirements, including applicable quality clauses, material traceability, certifications, inspection requirements, record retention, cybersecurity, and export-control restrictions.
• Recognize requirements related to DFARS, CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, ITAR/EAR, source inspection, first article inspection, and special-process certifications when applicable.
• Work with production, engineering, quality, purchasing, and management to confirm manufacturability, capacity, processes, lead times, and compliance requirements.
• Identify missing, conflicting, or unclear information and communicate with customers before completing a quote.
• Prepare and deliver clear, professional, and timely quotations.
• Follow up with customers to determine quote outcomes, gather feedback, and identify future opportunities.
• Reconnect with customers after major projects or extended periods of inactivity to confirm satisfaction and maintain strong relationships.
• Track and analyze quote results, margins, and actual production performance to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Maintain organized and accurate estimating records within the company’s ERP or quoting system.
• Protect customer information, technical data, drawings, and controlled information in accordance with company policies and contractual requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the changing needs of the department and organization.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of estimating experience in CNC machining, manufacturing, fabrication, aerospace, defense, or a related industry.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining processes, materials, tooling, inspection methods, and manufacturing cost structures.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately estimate CNC machine setup and production run times.
• Experience reviewing technical drawings, specifications, tolerances, models, and bills of materials.
• Working knowledge of customer and supplier flowdown requirements, particularly for DoD and defense-related work.
• Familiarity with DFARS, CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, ITAR/EAR, quality clauses, material traceability, and certification requirements is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with estimating or ERP software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple quotes and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) due to the nature of the company’s defense-related work and applicable contractual requirements.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Must be able to understand and comply with customer, quality, security, and DoD contractual flowdown requirements.
• Must maintain the confidentiality of customer drawings, technical information, pricing, and controlled data.
• Must be reliable, punctual, organized, and prepared to work collaboratively with customers and internal departments.