Estimator, Quality Assurance - QA​/QC, Quality Engineering

Description

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and profitable cost estimates for incoming CNC machining and manufacturing projects. Each quote must accurately reflect the project scope, materials, machine setup and run times, labor, outside processing, inspection, quality, compliance, and delivery requirements.

This position also maintains professional communication with customers to define project requirements, clarify expectations, follow up on quote outcomes, and support long-term customer relationships. The ideal candidate combines strong manufacturing knowledge, analytical accuracy, clear communication, and an understanding of Department of Defense (DoD) contracting and customer flowdown requirements.

• Prepare detailed cost estimates using customer drawings, specifications, models, purchase requirements, and related documentation.
• Accurately estimate CNC machine setup, programming, inspection, and production run times.
• Analyze material, labor, tooling, outside processing, inspection, packaging, and subcontractor costs.
• Review customer and contractual flowdown requirements and include all applicable costs and lead‑time considerations in each estimate.
• Identify DoD, defense, aerospace, and regulatory requirements, including applicable quality clauses, material traceability, certifications, inspection requirements, record retention, cybersecurity and export‑control restrictions.
• Recognize requirements related to DFARS, CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, ITAR/EAR, source inspection, first article inspection and special‑process certifications when applicable.
• Work with production, engineering, quality, purchasing, and management to confirm manufacturability, capacity, processes, lead times and compliance requirements.
• Identify missing, conflicting or unclear information and communicate with customers before completing a quote.
• Prepare and deliver clear, professional, and timely quotations.
• Follow up with customers to determine quote outcomes, gather feedback and identify future opportunities.
• Reconnect with customers after major projects or extended periods of inactivity to confirm satisfaction and maintain strong relationships.
• Track and analyze quote results, margins and actual production performance to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Maintain organized and accurate estimating records within the company’s ERP or quoting system.
• Protect customer information, technical data, drawings and controlled information in accordance with company policies and contractual requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the changing needs of the department and organization.

• Three or more years of estimating experience in CNC machining, manufacturing, fabrication, aerospace, defense or a related industry.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining processes, materials, tooling, inspection methods and manufacturing cost structures.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately estimate CNC machine setup and production run times.
• Experience reviewing technical drawings, specifications, tolerances, models and bills of materials.
• Working knowledge of customer and supplier flowdown requirements, particularly for DoD and defense‑related work.
• Familiarity with DFARS, CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, ITAR/EAR, quality clauses, material traceability and certification requirements is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with estimating or ERP software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple quotes and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) due to the nature of the company’s defense‑related work and applicable contractual requirements.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be able to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
• Must be able to understand and comply with customer, quality, security and DoD contractual flowdown requirements.
• Must maintain the confidentiality of customer drawings, technical information, pricing and controlled data.
• Must be reliable, punctual, organized and prepared to work collaboratively with customers and internal departments.

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Supportive, team‑oriented work environment
• Comprehensive benefits package, including
  • Medical and dental insurance
  • 401(k) with a 3% company match, with Traditional and Roth options
  • Life insurance and long‑term disability coverage
  • Paid vacation and sick time