Estimator, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title:

Estimator

Actalent is looking to hire an Estimator to support an industrial client in the Portland Metro area.

Job Description

The highly organized and detail-oriented Estimator will support precision machining operations. This role is well-suited for someone with a strong manufacturing background, including CNC machining and programming experience, job shop exposure, and familiarity with estimating low-volume, high-complexity parts. The Estimator works closely with customers, internal manufacturing teams, and vendors to develop accurate cost and lead-time estimates. All jobs are quoted using the client ERP system, with complete job information entered to determine cost, risk, and schedule.

Responsibilities

+ Prepare accurate cost and lead-time estimates for low- to high-volume complex machined parts.

+ Build detailed estimates within the company ERP system, including labor, materials, tooling, and outside processing.

+ Review and analyze customer prints, CAD models, specifications, and applicable standards.

+ Define complete manufacturing approaches based on customer requirements and internal capabilities.

+ Identify production risks and cost drivers during the estimating phase.

+ Adapt estimates and plans as scope, schedule, or requirements change.

+ Maintain a strong customer focus in a custom machining job shop environment.

+ Support issue resolution during manufacturing by evaluating root cause and recommending changes.

+ Communicate with internal personnel, vendors, and subcontractors as needed.

+ Request, review, and manage vendor and subcontractor quotes.

+ Prepare and present estimates and cost analyses to management and stakeholders.

+ Track and compile actual job costs to support continuous improvement and estimate accuracy.

Essential Skills

+ Estimation and production planning - ideally 5+ year demonstrated professional experience estimating in an industrial environment.

+ Machining expertise.

+ Time estimation for project completion in a machine shop.

+ Understanding of machining processes (set-up, run time, etc.).

+ Experience as a Machinist.

+ ERP and production scheduling knowledge.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience in CNC machining, including prior experience as an operator and/or programmer.

+ Experience in a job shop environment producing low-volume, complex parts.

+ Prior exposure to estimating or quoting in a manufacturing setting.

+ Strong print reading skills with a solid understanding of GD&T.

+ Strong math, analytical, and attention-to-detail skills.

+ Good written and verbal communication skills.

+ Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.

+ Project management experience is a strong asset and will help support job planning, coordination, and execution.

Work Environment

The work environment is on-site at a shop in the Clackamas, OR area, with a day shift schedule from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm. Benefits include sick time, 8 holidays, and 1 week of PTO during the contract, increasing to 2 weeks when the client hires on directly.

We prefer local talent to the PDX region, but may consider strong profiles outside the geographic area. Please ensure resume is clear on required estimating skills and experience.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Portland,OR.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a Clearly Rated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity,…