Manufacturing Estimator; CNC - Sheet Metal; Senior or Trainee

Position: Manufacturing Estimator (CNC - Sheet Metal) - Senior or Trainee
Location: Cardiff County

ESTIMATING ENGINEER - SENIOR / JUNIOR / TRAINEE PATHWAY (PRECISION ENGINEERING & FABRICATIONS) We're recruiting for an Estimating Engineer to join a well-established precision engineering and fabrications business supporting complex manufacturing (CNC and sheet metal). This opportunity suits either an experienced/Senior Estimator or a Junior/Trainee candidate from machining, CNC, fabrication or sheet metal who is looking to move off the tools and develop a long-term career in estimating.

You'll support accurate quotations and tender submissions, determining manufacturing costs and lead times for customer RFQs. Working closely with Engineering, Purchasing/Procurement and shopfloor teams, you'll help ensure bids are competitive, compliant and commercially robust, acting as a key commercial interface with customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (SENIOR) Lead estimating/costing for CNC 3/4/5-axis milling and turning work packages. Estimate costs for formed and sheet metal parts (incl. minor assembly where required). Obtain material, bought-out items and treatment prices/lead times (supplier liaison). Select best machine tools, check capacity, routings and manufacturing strategy. Produce accurate, compliant quotes/tenders aligned to quality and delivery requirements. Support Bid/No Bid decisions, maintain the bid register, and drive continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (JUNIOR / TRAINEE) Learn estimating processes by supporting quote builds, data gathering and supplier RFQs. Interpret engineering drawings and 3D models with guidance; validate key dimensions/tolerances. Assist with routings, cycle time inputs, material call-offs, and Excel-based costing models. Progress to owning small/standard quotes, building up to complex packages over time. ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE Senior:
Proven estimating/costing experience (CNC and/or sheet metal). Aerospace or precision engineering background. Confident with Titanium, Aluminium and Steel; strong stakeholder communication. Junior/Trainee:
Hands-on background in CNC machining, sheet metal, fabrication, or manufacturing engineering. Confident reading engineering drawings (GD&T understanding beneficial). Good MS Office skills (especially Excel); willingness to learn estimating tools and processes. DESIRABLE (WE CAN SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT) CATIA experience / ability to view and assess 3D models. Exposure to tenders/RFQs, procurement, or supplier management. TRAINING, MENTORING & PROGRESSION Structured onboarding with mentoring from senior estimators/engineering.

Clear progression plan (e.g., Trainee ? Junior Estimator ? Estimating Engineer) based on capability and performance. Support to develop commercial awareness, quoting accuracy, and customer-facing confidence. This is a permanent job with a starting salary dependant on experience. HRGO are a recruitment agency supporting UK Manufacturing. We aim to respond to all applications.