Manufacturing Lead Estimator

Overview

Tessera is a national non‑profit, government contractor dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" and supporting veterans with disabilities. We prioritize inclusion, partnerships, integrity, and a safe, respectful workplace.

Location: Auburn, Washington (hybrid or remote options for candidates outside commutable distance)

Type: Exempt

Work Schedule: Full‑Time

Compensation: $85,000.00 – $ per year

• Serve as the primary owner of the division’s estimating and quotation process.
• Analyze RFQs, engineering drawings, models, and specifications to determine manufacturability and cost structure.
• Develop cost estimates covering CNC milling (3‑, 4‑, 5‑axis), CNC turning and mill‑turn operations, hard metal and soft metal machining, tooling, fixtures, programming, inspection, fabrication, kitting, assembly, outside processing, and special processes.
• Prepare competitive quotations aligned with company margin targets.
• Develop preliminary manufacturing routing and production strategies during quoting.
• Identify optimal machining approaches for hard metals such as titanium, Inconel, and stainless alloys.
• Evaluate opportunities for process consolidation using multi‑axis machinery.
• Collaborate with engineering, programming, and quality teams to validate cycle times and technical approaches.
• Champion technology‑forward estimating, implementing digital estimating tools, ERP integrations, and quoting automation.
• Improve efficiency and scalability of the quoting workflow.
• Create reusable manufacturing knowledge libraries.
• Support a data‑driven process integrated with program launch and production planning.
• Coordinate supplier pricing for raw materials and outside processing.
• Support design‑for‑manufacturability discussions with customers.
• Ensure a smooth new product introduction and production launch.
• Manage the RFQ intake pipeline from receipt through final quote submission.
• Prioritize opportunities based on complexity, strategic fit, and production capacity.
• Ensure quotes are submitted accurately and on time.
• Measure performance against KPIs such as win rate, RFQ turnaround time, quoted revenue, accuracy, etc.
• All other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED required;
  Associate’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years in aerospace manufacturing estimating, CNC machining, or manufacturing engineering required; background in CNC programming or manufacturing engineering preferred.
• Strong knowledge of CNC milling and turning processes.
• Ability to interpret aerospace drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
• Experience estimating complex machined components, especially hard metals.
• Experience working in AS9100 aerospace environments.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Previous direct estimating experience in multi‑axis machining environments preferred.
• Experience estimating fabrication, kitting, and assembly work preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems or digital estimating tools preferred.

• Lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Reach, kneel, walk, stand, and perform repetitive motion for extended periods.
• Climb in and out of vehicle; use stairs; stand or sit for several hours.
• Work under pressure for extended periods.

• Valid state driver’s license; ability to obtain and maintain insurance coverage.
• REAL ‑compliant driver’s license, U.S. passport, or military  federal military installation access.
• Ability to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances; background check and E‑Verify conducted.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Short‑Term Disability Insurance
• Elective 401(k) retirement plan with Tessera matching 0.5% for each 1% up to 6% (vesting applies)
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• 11 paid holidays, 10 days of vacation at start, paid sick leave
• Potential shared earning bonus
• Tuition assistance after 1 year; potential scholarships for dependents
• Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities
• Verizon wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full‑time employees

Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Women, Minority, Veteran, Disabled. Tessera participates in E‑Verify.