Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Estimator

The Estimator is a highly organized and detail-oriented professional who supports precision machining operations by developing accurate cost and lead-time estimates for low- to high-volume, high-complexity machined parts. This role is ideal for someone with strong manufacturing experience, including CNC machining and programming experience, job shop exposure, and familiarity with estimating low-volume, complex components. The Estimator collaborates closely with customers, internal manufacturing teams, and vendors, using the company ERP system to enter complete job information and determine cost, risk, and schedule for each project.

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 to understand technical requirements.
• Define complete manufacturing approaches based on customer requirements and internal capabilities.
• Identify production risks and cost drivers during the estimating phase and incorporate them into quotes.
• Adapt estimates and plans as scope, schedule, or customer 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 process or planning changes.
• Communicate effectively with internal personnel, vendors, and subcontractors to gather information and clarify requirements.
• Request, review, and manage vendor and subcontractor quotes to ensure accurate and complete costing.
• Prepare and present estimates and cost analyses to management and other stakeholders.
• Track and compile actual job costs to support continuous improvement and improve estimate accuracy over time.
• Contribute to production planning and scheduling by providing reliable time estimates for project completion in the machine shop.
• Apply understanding of machining processes, including set-up and run time, to develop realistic and efficient estimates.

Essential Skills

• Experience in CNC machining, including prior experience as an operator and/or programmer.
• Experience working in a job shop environment producing low-volume, complex parts.
• Prior exposure to estimating or quoting in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, including set-up, run time, and production sequencing.
• Ability to perform accurate time estimation for project completion in a machine shop environment.
• Strong print reading skills with a solid understanding of GD&T.
• Proficiency with ERP systems for building detailed estimates and supporting production planning.
• Strong math and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with customers, internal teams, and vendors.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a fast-paced job shop setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous hands-on experience as a Machinist is highly desirable.
• Experience with production planning and production scheduling in a manufacturing environment.
• Project management experience is a strong asset and supports job planning, coordination, and execution.
• Familiarity with CAD models and interpreting technical specifications and standards.
• Experience working with vendors and subcontractors to obtain and evaluate quotes.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and enhancing estimate accuracy over time.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite at a precision machining shop in Clackamas, OR. The role operates on a day shift schedule, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Estimator works closely with machinists, programmers, and production staff in a job shop environment that focuses on low-volume, high-complexity parts. Work is performed using an ERP system and involves regular interaction with CAD models, engineering prints, and technical specifications. The environment supports a strong focus on quality, accuracy, and collaboration. Employees receive benefits that include sick time, eight paid holidays, and paid time off, with one week of PTO available during the contract period and two weeks when hired directly.

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

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

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Clackamas,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 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 ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.