Aerospace Tooling Cost Estimator

A Day in the Life:
Aerospace Tooling Cost Estimator

Picture your morning: a new RFQ hits your inbox. You open the engineering package, study 3D models and drawings, and map out the work—machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and inspection. By mid‑morning you’re collaborating with engineering and manufacturing to validate manufacturability and the best build sequence. After lunch, you’re firming up vendor quotes, finalizing costed BOMs for raw materials, hardware, purchased components, tooling, and outside processing, then shaping everything into a clear, professional proposal for the customer.

Before the day ends, you log the quote into our pricing database, update estimating records, and capture lessons learned to drive better accuracy next time.

• Review customer RFQs, engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications for aerospace tooling and fixture projects.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for jigs, fixtures, gauges, assembly tools, and related aerospace tooling.
• Analyze machining, fabrication, assembly, and inspection steps to determine labor hours and production costs.
• Estimate costs for raw materials, hardware, purchased components, tooling, and outside processing services.
• Coordinate with engineering and manufacturing teams to confirm manufacturability and optimal production methods.
• Request and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
• Prepare formal quotations, proposals, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain estimating records, pricing databases, and quotation history.
• Participate in customer meetings and respond to technical and commercial inquiries.
• Support continuous improvement efforts targeting cost reduction and estimating accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards and customer requirements.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or a related field (preferred).
• 3–5 years of estimating experience in aerospace tooling, jig and fixture manufacturing, or precision machining.
• Deep knowledge of machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and inspection processes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and GD&T.
• Familiarity with aerospace materials, tooling practices, and manufacturing methods.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality standards (preferred).

• Background estimating complex aerospace fixtures and tooling assemblies.
• Familiarity with CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and tooling design concepts.
• CAD/CAM software experience.
• Strong project management and multitasking skills.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing and cost‑control practices.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
  Vision insurance

• Cost Accounting
• CAD/CAM Software
• Blueprint Reading

• 3D Modeling
• CAD Software (Catia)

Smith Brothers Tool Company is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.