Manufacturing Engineer - Project Estimator

Manufacturing Engineer - Project Estimator

Our client is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Manufacturing Engineer with expertise in precision machining to lead our estimating function. This is a strategic, technical role for a professional who combines shop-floor knowledge with the ability to develop accurate manufacturing estimates and practical production plans. The ideal candidate will drive manufacturing accuracy, efficiency, and profitability through expert process planning, cost estimation, and collaboration with engineering and production teams.

This position requires a technically strong professional who understands precision machining and CNC operations, confidently reads blueprints and GD&T, has hands-on welding and fabrication knowledge, accurately calculates machining times, and leverages AutoCAD or Solid Works to support effective manufacturing estimates and production planning.

Location:

Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $80000.00–$120000.00/yr

Key Responsibilities

Review blueprints, engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements. Determine manufacturing methods and develop process plans for CNC milling, turning, grinding, and inspection. Calculate setup and machining cycle times, particularly for milling and turning. Estimate labor, materials, tooling, machining, and production costs. Evaluate outside processing such as heat treating, plating, and specialty coatings. Identify manufacturing risks involving tolerances, GD&T, materials, and tooling.

Prepare accurate estimates for custom and precision-machined components. Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure estimates are practical and manufacturable. Improve estimating accuracy, manufacturability, and quoting efficiency.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent technical discipline). Hands-on manufacturing or machine shop experience in a precision machining or custom manufacturing environment. Proficiency in AutoCAD or Solid Works. Strong blueprint and GD&T interpretation skills. Knowledge of welding and fabrication, including fabrication prints. Strong experience with CNC machining and machine setup. CNC programming or manufacturing process development experience. Experience calculating machining setup and cycle times for milling and turning.

Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Mastercam or other CAM programming experience. Custom manufacturing estimating experience. Ability to develop accurate cost and labor estimates. Experience setting up and operating various manufacturing tools including milling and turning equipment. Experience estimating custom, short-run, or precision-machined components. Knowledge of job costing, routing, and machine shop quoting. Familiarity with manufacturing ERP/MRP systems. Experience with large or complex machined parts.

Benefits:
Medical, vision, and optional dental insurance Two weeks of paid time off Paid major holidays Annual bonus and profit-sharing opportunities On-site parking

About HRforGrowth: HRforGrowth is a full-service HR and talent partner built to support companies that are scaling, transforming, or navigating change. HRFG is globally recognized for delivering quality, speed, and cost-effective talent solutions across every level of the workforce. Through its global talent acquisition practice, HRforGrowth applies world class rigor and precision to identifying exceptional professional and executive talent on behalf of its clients — from temporary staffing to permanent hourly workers through to placing C-suite executives.

HRforGrowth is presenting this opportunity in its capacity as the retained search partner and does not serve as the employer of record for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
In its recruiting and search practices, HRforGrowth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. HRforGrowth evaluates and presents candidates to its clients without regard to any protected characteristic.