Cost Estimator

Manufacturing Estimator

The Manufacturing Estimator responds quickly and accurately to customer Requests for Quotations by developing competitive bids that include precise cost and lead-time estimates. This role analyzes raw material, outside processing, and labor requirements to determine true cost-to-manufacture, while collaborating closely with operations and finance to refine estimating processes. The position is ideal for an experienced manufacturing or aerospace professional who enjoys working directly with customers, managing multiple projects, and contributing to continuous improvement in a growing organization.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to customer Requests for Quotations (RFQs) by preparing competitive cost and lead-time estimates, averaging approximately 60 RFQs per week.
• Develop detailed cost estimates by identifying and calculating raw material costs, outside processing costs, and labor hours required to manufacture each item.
• Envision the end product and define all manufacturing steps, creating a clear and logical build plan that supports accurate cost estimation.
• Use estimating and planning software tools, along with ERP systems where applicable, to develop, document, and maintain cost estimates.
• Engage and coordinate with internal support organizations, including operations and finance, to obtain necessary data and refine estimating assumptions.
• Work with operations and finance teams to develop and continuously improve standardized estimating processes and tools.
• Collaborate with program leadership on special projects, supporting strategic initiatives and process improvements as assigned.
• Participate actively in team meetings, sharing insights, updates, and feedback to support team goals and customer satisfaction.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with customers, coworkers, and management to clarify requirements, discuss estimates, and address questions.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, 3D models, procedure manuals, and work instructions to ensure estimates align with technical requirements.
• Plan and manage schedules for estimating activities, ensuring all RFQs and projects are completed on time and within expectations.
• Manage multiple estimating projects simultaneously, balancing workload and priorities to meet deadlines and customer commitments.
• Maintain accurate records of estimates, assumptions, and supporting documentation while protecting confidential information.

Essential Skills

• At least five years of manufacturing estimating experience, preferably supporting aviation or related suppliers.
• Five-plus years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Tool Building, or Aerospace Part Planning.
• Experience working directly with customers in a customer-facing capacity for approximately five years.
• Proficiency with estimating software and related planning tools used to develop manufacturing cost estimates.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems for planning, costing, or estimating activities (ERP experience preferred).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, 3D models, procedure manuals, and work instructions.
• Strong schedule planning and project management skills to organize and prioritize multiple RFQs and projects.
• Ability to perform basic and intermediate math, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, as well as calculating proportions and percentages.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey detailed technical and cost information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to interact in a positive and professional manner and build strong working relationships with customers, coworkers, and management.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to follow instructions delivered in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to ensure accuracy in estimates and documentation.
• Proficiency with computer software and typing, including MS Office products, and the ability to learn new software and adapt to upgrades quickly.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive cost, pricing, and customer information.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in aviation or aerospace manufacturing estimating is preferred.
• Experience as a planner or in a planning function within a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to schedule planning and project management methodologies.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with a high volume of RFQs, including both small and larger, more complex bids.
• Interest in contributing to process improvement initiatives related to estimating and planning.
• Ability to work effectively in a contract-to-hire arrangement, with a view toward long-term contribution and growth.

Work Environment

This role is based in an onsite office environment within a manufacturing facility. The Estimator primarily works in an office setting using computers, estimating software, ERP systems, and standard MS Office tools, and periodically visits the shop floor to check on processes, verify assumptions, and better understand manufacturing operations. The position supports a growing workload and is structured as a contract-to-hire opportunity, reflecting an increase in work volume and the need to expand the team. The environment emphasizes collaboration, regular team meetings, and close interaction with operations, finance, and program leadership, providing a dynamic setting where technical expertise and clear communication are highly valued.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Winfield, KS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $42.00/hr. 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Winfield, KS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.