Cost Estimator

Posted Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 4:00 AM 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 project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is 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. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base. SUMMARY OF POSITION The Service and Controls Estimator is responsible for preparing, coordinating, and delivering accurate cost estimates, quotations, and technical proposals for equipment upgrades, modifications, repairs, preventive maintenance, and aftermarket service support. This role works closely with engineering, service, procurement, and sales teams to develop customer-focused solutions, ensuring proposals are technically sound, commercially competitive, and delivered on schedule. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Review customer RFQs, specifications, drawings, and service requests to develop complete and accurate cost estimates. Prepare detailed proposals for field service, preventive maintenance, equipment upgrades, retrofits and controls modifications. Develop scopes of work that accurately define project deliverables, assumptions, exclusions, and commercial terms. Estimate labor hours, material requirements, subcontractor costs, travel expenses, and equipment needed to complete projects. Coordinate with engineering, service, procurement, and manufacturing teams to validate technical solutions and pricing. Work closely with Sales to ensure quotations are competitive, technically accurate, and delivered within customer deadlines. Identify technical and commercial risks during the estimating process and communicate findings to management. Maintain estimating tools, pricing databases, labor standards, and quotation templates. Support customer meetings and occasional site visits to gather information for estimate development and scope clarification. Assist with proposal documentation, customer revisions, and post-award handoffs to project management and field service teams. Supports service invoicing and aftermarket sales activities as needed. Maintain accurate records within the CRM and estimating systems. Perform other duties as assigned. REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE 3–5 years of experience in estimating, project engineering, field service, project management, or a related technical role within manufacturing or industrial automation. Experience with industrial control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, motion control, robotics, and electrical control panels. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, bills of material, and customer specifications. Strong understanding of labor estimating, cost analysis, and quotation development. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office, ERP/CRM systems, and estimating software. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail. Ability to prioritize multiple quotations while consistently meeting customer deadlines. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Possess Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance and maintain security clearance for the duration of employment Experience estimating OEM equipment, aftermarket services, and automation system upgrades. Familiarity with controls architecture, robotics, PLC systems, and precision mechanical equipment. Experience with CAD software and automation platforms (Siemens TIA Portal, CATIA V5, etc.). Experience developing quotations for preventive maintenance agreements, field service, equipment retrofits, and spare parts. Knowledge of cost modeling, procurement practices, and supplier pricing. Experience with an automation equipment OEM or systems integrator preferred. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY None WORKING CONDITIONS Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee on a daily basis while performing the functions of this job. Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation May access and work in the manufacturing plant While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles The employee may be exposed to vibration The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate May be required to travel to other site locations during the workday May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands Work with safe manufacturing processes and understand that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area. Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to frequently walk and stand for short periods of time Must be able to lift and move up to 35lbs, occasionally lift and move objects up to 50lbs. BENEFITS Medical Insurance Vision Insurance Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance Life Insurance AD&D Insurance PTO 401k Match SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening. This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'). Ascent Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. 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