Estimator, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineer

Ascent Aerospace – Inspiring the next generation of flight!

Ascent Aerospace is a world‑renowned, single‑source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high‑precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made—making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their projects and see them through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure an efficient and cost‑effective solution.

As a true, single‑source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark‑ups, ultimately saving our customers money.

This role is responsible for estimating labor and material costs of manufacturing and engineering or aerospace tooling based on data submitted by prospective customers. This includes estimates based on completed designs as well as estimates based on concepts developed internally or by customers. The estimator must have a high attention to detail and be able to clearly summarize and communicate their method of developing cost to management, contract personnel, proposal coordinators, customer representatives, price auditors, vendors, and subcontractors.

• Use models, drawings, and specification information in customer requests to determine labor, material, and outsourcing estimates for the design, manufacturing, and installation of tooling.
• Review engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to determine tooling requirements and how they will impact cost.
• Breakdown tools to develop a manufacturing plan as a means of estimating the labor hours required to complete material processing, fabrication, machining, assembly, paint, quality checks, shipping, installation, and final buy‑off.
• Organize all inputs and document the process used to develop the full cost allowing it to be referenced for future quotes.
• Coordinate and prepare large proposals with input from multiple internal and external groups.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and procurement teams to ensure accurate estimates.
• Analyze tooling for complexity, manufacturing processes, long‑lead commercials, and production timelines to develop tooling lead times.
• Request and review vendor quotes for outsourced processes.
• Support proposal development and bid submissions.
• Identify cost risks and opportunities.
• Provide technical input during project planning and tooling design reviews.
• Utilize inputs from sales staff and industry contacts to develop suggested pricing and bid strategy.
• Present bids and bid strategy to leadership team for approval.
• Collaborate with Sales Team to negotiate and win positions.
• Strategically prioritize estimating duties while managing multiple quotes to ensure all are submitted accurately and on time.
• Perform any additional duties as reasonably assigned by management.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, Engineering Technology, or Industrial Management.
• 3–7+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, tooling, or cost estimating.
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and CAD models with an understanding of how the details of each impact cost.
• Experience in aerospace industry preferably in tooling or toolmaker experience.
• Hands‑on experience in:
  • Weld fabrication
  • CNC machining
  • Assembly & build
  • Inspection
  • Composite tooling
  • Metallic tooling
  • Fixtures and jigs
  • Bond tooling
• Additive manufacturing experience.
• Proficiency in Excel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in negotiations and conflict resolution. Ability to negotiate, problem‑solve, and resolve program issues in a respectful, professional manner.
• The position must meet Export Control compliance requirements; therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22.C.F.R. is required.

• Knowledge of cost estimating methods from detailed bids through parametric…