Manufacturing Estimator & Proposal Lead

Manufacturing Estimator

From engine bay to payload, we protect vital structures and systems. Hera Technologies is a premier contract manufacturer specializing in high-precision metallic and non-metallic solutions for the aerospace, defense, and space sectors. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has positioned us as an industry leader in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of thermal support systems. Our team is driven by excellence, integrity, and a passion for advancing aerospace technology.

Take the next step in your career with a company committed to excellence, where your contributions are recognized, and your potential is realized.

The Manufacturing Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates and quotations for aerospace, defense, space, and commercial manufacturing programs. This role will analyze customer requirements, technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and related information to determine labor, material, processing, and manufacturing requirements.

The Manufacturing Estimator will work closely with Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to develop competitive quotes while ensuring alignment with customer expectations, production capabilities, and company objectives.

This position requires strong technical knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple quoting activities in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

• Organize and prepare quotes and proposals packages for customers in formats such as MS PowerPoint, MS Word, and Epicor ERP system and coordinating input from business development, engineering, and operations stakeholders.
• Review customer RFQs, drawings, specifications, blueprints, and related documentation to determine scope of work and requirements.
• Develop manufacturing plans by identifying required processes, equipment, tooling, programming requirements, setup operations, materials, labor hours, and outside processing needs.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and quotations based on established labor rates, overhead rates, material costs, and supplier pricing.
• Evaluate manufacturing requirements for CNC machining, fabrication, composites, and other aerospace manufacturing processes.
• Identify and obtain pricing from approved outside processing suppliers based on customer and drawing requirements.
• Interpret technical specifications, quality clauses, material requirements, and customer requirements to identify potential risks and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to understand production capabilities and develop effective manufacturing approaches.
• Prepare formal price and delivery quotations for internal and external customers.
• Communicate with customers, suppliers, and internal teams regarding quotations, requirements, and project updates.
• Follow up on open RFQs and proposals, updating quotations as needed.
• Maintain accurate RFQ and proposal tracking records to support reporting and key performance indicators.
• Support the development and maintenance of work instructions for new and existing programs.
• Perform risk assessments and identify potential cost, schedule, and manufacturing challenges.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and estimating process improvements.
• Follow 5S standards and adhere to all health, safety, and environmental guidelines.
• Support cross-functional operations as needed.

• 6+ years of machine shop estimating and quoting experience for medium to high complexity aerospace or precision manufacturing parts.
• Experience estimating and quoting CNC machining operations, including CNC milling and turning processes.
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and analyze engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and manufacturing documentation.
• Knowledge of tooling requirements, machining processes, and production planning methods.
• Experience estimating and quoting within a low-to-medium volume job shop manufacturing…