Aerospace Manufacturing Estimator

Location: Chatsworth

About RTCA:

RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group built on decades of hands-on machining expertise, with roots spanning more than 50 years. We support mission-critical commercial and government aerospace programs across North America through four U.S. Centers of Excellence operating as an integrated platform with 150+ CNC machines and a team of 250+ professionals.

Unlike large organizations where roles can be narrow, RTCA offers hands-on ownership and real visibility - you understand how your work supports the team, the operation, and the end customer. Our flat structure allows employees to take initiative, grow their skills, and have their contributions recognized, while still providing the stability, advanced technology, and meaningful work of an established aerospace manufacturer.

At RTCA, we believe in teamwork, excellence, and delivering with pride. One Team! One Mission!

How You'll Make an Impact:

The Aerospace Manufacturing Estimator will be responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and technically sound cost estimates for aerospace machined components, assemblies, and manufacturing programs. This individual will analyze engineering drawings, specifications, manufacturing requirements, material costs, labor content, outside processing, tooling requirements, and assembly operations to develop comprehensive quotations.

The ideal candidate has extensive aerospace manufacturing experience and a deep understanding of machining processes, special processes, assembly operations, multi-level BOMs, and manufacturing routings.

What you'll be doing as a Aerospace Manufacturing Estimator:

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Chatsworth, CA location.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates and quotations for aerospace and defense customers.
• Analyze engineering drawings, specifications, models, and customer requirements.
• Develop manufacturing strategies and production routing plans.
• Create and maintain multi-level Bills of Material (BOMs) and Bills of Process (BOP/BPM).
• Calculate machine cycle times, setup times, labor standards, and material requirements.
• Develop cost models for machining, assembly, inspection, testing, and outside processing.
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and production teams during quote development.
• Identify manufacturing risks and opportunities to improve competitiveness and profitability.
• Support new business pursuits, contract reviews, and customer RFQ activities.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards, databases, and best practices across RTCA divisions.
• Assist leadership in evaluating capital equipment requirements and manufacturing capabilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Minimum 5 years of aerospace estimating experience.
• Minimum 10 years of aerospace manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining and aerospace manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret complex aerospace engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience estimating complete manufacturing processes from raw material through final assembly.
• Experience developing manufacturing routings, labor standards, and cost models.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace customer requirements.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and estimating software.

Technical Experience Required:

Machining Processes:

• 3, 4, and 5-Axis CNC Milling
• CNC Turning
• Mill-Turn Operations
• Swiss Machining
• Grinding
• Honing
• EDM
• Precision Inspection

Materials:

• Aluminum Alloys
• Stainless Steels
• Titanium
• Inconel
• Nickel Alloys
• Tool Steels
• Copper Alloys
• Plastics and Composite Materials

Special Processes:

• Anodize
• Hardcoat Anodize
• Chem Film
• Passivation
• Heat Treat
• Shot Peen
• NDT
• Cadmium and Nickel Plating
• Thermal Spray
• HVOF Coatings
• Paint and Dry Film Lubricants
• Laser Marking
• Source Inspection Requirements

Assembly & Quality:

• Mechanical Assembly
• Aerospace Hardware Installation
• Testing and Validation
• AS9102 First Article Inspection
• Configuration Management
• Quality Planning

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field.
• Experience supporting aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Experience with Boeing, Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, Parker, Eaton, Safran, Triumph, Kawasaki, Spirit Aero Systems, or similar customers.
• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.
• Cost engineering and value engineering background.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Choice of medical plan options, including a no-cost employee-only coverage plan
• HSA-eligible health plan with employer contributions
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) plan with up to a 6% QACA company match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and nine (9) paid company holidays
• Shift differentials for applicable off-shifts
• Discretionary bonus programs based on position and company…