Manufacturing Engineer Estimator

Manufacturing Engineer Estimator

Role Overview

Seeking a Manufacturing Engineer Estimator with experience in precision machining and manufacturing processes. This role involves interpreting blueprints and GD&T, developing manufacturing plans, and preparing accurate cost estimates for custom and precision-machined components.

The ideal candidate has hands-on machine shop experience and can develop practical, cost-effective manufacturing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Review blueprints, engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements.
• Determine manufacturing methods and develop process plans for CNC milling, turning, grinding, and inspection.
• Calculate setup and machining cycle times, particularly for milling and turning.
• Estimate labor, materials, tooling, machining, and production costs.
• Evaluate outside processing such as heat treating, plating, and specialty coatings.
• Identify manufacturing risks involving tolerances, GD&T, materials, and tooling.
• Prepare accurate estimates for custom and precision-machined components.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure estimates are practical and manufacturable.
• Improve estimating accuracy, manufacturability, and quoting efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing engineering, estimating, or a precision machine shop environment.
• Strong blueprint and GD&T interpretation skills.
• Knowledge of welding and fabrication, including fabrication prints.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining and machine setup.
• Experience calculating machining setup and cycle times for milling and turning.
• Ability to estimate tooling, feeds, speeds, labor, materials, and production costs.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or SolidWorks; experience with at least one is required.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Manufacturing estimating experience.
• Hands-on machinist or machine shop experience.
• Experience setting up and operating milling and turning equipment.
• Experience estimating custom, short-run, or precision-machined components.
• CNC programming or manufacturing process development experience.
• Knowledge of job costing, routing, and machine shop quoting.
• Mastercam or other CAM programming experience.
• Familiarity with manufacturing ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience with large or complex machined parts.

Education & Experience

Hands-on manufacturing and machine shop experience is highly valued. An engineering degree is beneficial but is not a substitute for relevant practical experience.

The ideal candidate combines shop-floor knowledge with the ability to develop accurate manufacturing estimates and production plans.

Compensation

$80,000–$120,000 per year, based on experience, technical skills, and education.

Ideal Candidate

A technically strong manufacturing professional who understands precision machining and CNC operations, confidently reads blueprints and GD&T, has practical welding and fabrication knowledge, accurately calculates machining times, and can use AutoCAD or SolidWorks to support effective manufacturing estimates and production planning.