Manufacturing Estimator
Position Summary
603 Manufacturing is seeking a Manufacturing Estimator to join our growing quoting team. This role is responsible for reviewing customer RFQs and developing accurate manufacturing cost estimates for complex cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and electromechanical assemblies serving the aerospace, defense, and commercial space industries.
The successful candidate will work closely with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, and Operations to develop competitive quotations while ensuring technical and commercial accuracy. This is a hands-on role for someone who understands manufacturing, enjoys solving technical problems, and thrives in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
At 603 Manufacturing, we are investing heavily in AI-powered quoting tools to increase speed and efficiency. The Manufacturing Estimator will use these tools daily while applying sound manufacturing judgment to validate results and ensure accurate quotations.
Essential Responsibilities
- Review customer RFQs, drawings, specifications, and bills of material
- Develop labor estimates for cable assemblies, wire harnesses, box builds, and electromechanical assemblies
- Create manufacturing routings and estimate production labor
- Coordinate with Purchasing to obtain supplier pricing
- Work with Engineering to clarify technical requirements and resolve questions
- Identify missing or unclear customer information and coordinate with Sales to obtain clarification
- Utilize AI-assisted quoting tools to accelerate quote development while validating technical accuracy
- Prepare timely, accurate, and competitive quotations
- Maintain quote documentation within the ERP system
- Support continuous improvement of estimating methods, labor standards, and quoting processes
- Manage multiple RFQs simultaneously while meeting aggressive turnaround goals
Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline preferred. Equivalent manufacturing experience will also be considered.
- Two or more years of experience in manufacturing, estimating, manufacturing engineering, process engineering, production planning, applications engineering, project engineering, or a similar technical role.
- Ability to read engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and bills of material
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Proficient with Microsoft Excel and standard business software
- Experience with ERP systems is preferred
Preferred Experience
Experience in one or more of the following industries is highly desirable
- Aerospace
- Defense
- Commercial Space
- Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS)
- Cable and Wire Harness Manufacturing
- Electromechanical Assembly
- Industrial Controls
- High-Reliability Manufacturing
Experience with any of the following is a plus:
- Epicor ERP
- IPC/WHMA-A-620
- J-STD-001
- Manufacturing routings
- Labor estimating
- BOM development
- Lean Manufacturing principles
AI & Technology
603 Manufacturing is transforming the quoting process through artificial intelligence. The Manufacturing Estimator will use AI-powered tools to assist with developing bills of material, manufacturing routings, labor estimates, and quote packages. Successful candidates should be comfortable learning new technology, using AI as part of their daily workflow, and applying manufacturing knowledge to validate AI-generated recommendations. Prior AI experience is not required, but a willingness to embrace new technology and continuously improve processes is essential.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who enjoys figuring out how products are built and can balance speed with accuracy. The right candidate is organized, technically curious, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities while working with cross-functional teams. This role is ideal for someone with a manufacturing background who wants to make a direct impact on business growth by helping bring new programs into the company.
About 603 Manufacturing
603 Manufacturing is a contract manufacturer specializing in complex cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and electromechanical assemblies for customers in the aerospace, defense, and commercial space markets. Our reputation is built on quality, responsiveness, and solving challenging manufacturing problems. As we continue to grow, we are investing in advanced manufacturing technologies and AI-driven business processes to deliver faster, smarter, and more competitive solutions for our customers.
603 Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 603 Manufacturing is an E-Verify Participant. Pre-employment drug/alcohol/background screening is required.