Manufacturing Lead Estimator

TITLE

Manufacturing Lead Estimator

Auburn, Washington (hybrid or remote options may be considered for qualified candidates)

Full‑time, Exempt

$85,000 – $120,000 per year

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Short‑Term Disability; 401(k) with company match;
Flexible Spending Accounts; 11 paid holidays; 10 paid vacation days at start of employment; paid sick leave; tuition assistance after one year; professional development; EAP; wellness program;
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.

The Manufacturing Lead Estimator will own the quoting and estimating process for a mid‑size aerospace manufacturing operation. The role evaluates opportunities, develops accurate cost models, prepares competitive quotations and drives a technology‑enabled quoting process to improve responsiveness and shorten lead times.

• Serve as the primary owner of the estimating and quotation process.
• Analyze RFQs, engineering drawings, models and specifications to determine manufacturability and cost structure.
• Develop cost estimates covering CNC milling (3‑axis, 4‑axis, 5‑axis), CNC turning, hard‑metal and soft‑metal machining, tooling, fixtures, programming, inspection, fabrication, kitting and assembly, and outside processing.
• Prepare competitive quotations aligned with company margin targets.
• Develop preliminary manufacturing routing and production strategies during quoting.
• Identify optimal machining approaches for complex aerospace components, especially titanium, Inconel and stainless alloys.
• Evaluate opportunities for process consolidation using multi‑axis milling and turning technologies.
• Work with engineering, programming and production teams to validate cycle times and technical approaches.
• Champion a technology‑forward approach to estimating, implementing and refining digital estimating tools, ERP integrations and quoting automation.
• Improve efficiency and scalability of the quoting workflow and create reusable manufacturing knowledge libraries.
• Support the development of 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 the estimating process supports smooth new product introduction and production launch.
• Manage the RFQ intake pipeline from receipt through final quote submission, prioritizing opportunities based on complexity, strategic fit and capacity.
• Ensure quotes are submitted accurately and on time.
• Measure performance against KPIs such as win rate, RFQ turnaround time, quoted revenue and accuracy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED required; associate’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing estimating, CNC machining or manufacturing engineering.
• Background in CNC programming or manufacturing engineering preferred.
• Strong understanding 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.
• 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.

Ability to perform extended periods of tasks with or without assistance, lift or move up to 25 pounds, reach, kneel, walk, stand, use repetitive motion, stand or sit for several hours, climb in and out of vehicles, and use stairs. Work may require repetitive motion, reaching, lifting, kneeling, and walking. Must persevere under pressure for extended periods.

Valid state driver’s license required; ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera’s insurance. Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access. Background check and E‑Verify will be conducted.

Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled. Tessera participates in E‑Verify. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.