Manufacturing Estimator

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates and quotations for aerospace, defense, space, and commercial manufacturing programs. This role will analyze customer requirements, technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and related information to determine labor, material, processing, and manufacturing requirements.

The Manufacturing Estimator will work closely with Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to develop competitive quotes while ensuring alignment with customer expectations, production capabilities, and company objectives.

This position requires technical knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple quoting activities in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize and prepare quotes and proposals packages for customers in formats such as MS PowerPoint, MS Word, and Epicor ERP system and coordinating input from business development, engineering, and operations stakeholders.
• Review customer RFQs, drawings, specifications, blueprints, and related documentation to determine scope of work and requirements.
• Develop manufacturing plans by identifying required processes, equipment, tooling, programming requirements, setup operations, materials, labor hours, and outside processing needs.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and quotations based on established labor rates, overhead rates, material costs, and supplier pricing.
• Evaluate manufacturing requirements for CNC machining, fabrication, composites, and other aerospace manufacturing processes.
• Interpret technical specifications, quality clauses, material requirements, and customer requirements to identify potential risks and ensure compliance.
• Identify and obtain pricing from approved external processing suppliers based on customer and drawing specifications 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 regarding quotations, requirements, and project updates.
• Follow up on open RFQs and proposals, updating quotations as needed.
• Maintain accurate RFQ and proposal tracking records to support 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 adhere to all health, safety, and environmental guidelines.
• Support cross-functional operations as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 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 processes.
• Strong 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 within a low-to-medium volume job shop manufacturing environment.
• Experience using ERP systems related to manufacturing planning and quoting activities.
• Understanding of machining various materials including 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal English with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while supporting team objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Additional Requirements

• Must have professional working proficiency 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

Job Details

Type: Full Time Exempt

Hours: Core Business Hours 0600 Monday through Friday 1530

Schedule and overtime may vary based on business needs

Base Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000

Base Location: Cape Canaveral, Fl - 100% onsite

Travel: Occasional travel may be required based on business needs.