Machine Shop Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Mach3, located in Cuyahoga Falls, is seeking a Machine Shop Estimator to lead the development of accurate and competitive job shop estimates for CNC and precision machining work. This role is primarily responsible for quoting labor, materials, tooling, and outside processing based on prints, customer requirements, and internal manufacturing capability.

In addition to estimating duties, this position will support light engineering and planning responsibilities, including creating manufacturing plans, building bills of material (BOMs), creating routings in Visibility ERP, and participating in project kickoff meetings to align scope, schedule, and execution strategy.

This is a cross-functional role working closely with production, purchasing, engineering, and project management to ensure estimates are aligned with real shop capacity, best practices, and customer expectations.

Essential Functions

· Review customer RFQs, prints/models, specifications, and requirement documents to fully understand scope and technical requirements.

· Develop accurate labor and material estimates for machining projects based on proven processes, historical performance, and expected cycle times.

· Determine the best manufacturing approach for each job, including internal machining strategy, fixtures, tooling needs, and any required outside services.

· Prepare detailed, itemized quotes covering machining labor, material costs, tooling/consumables, outside processing (as applicable), and overhead/shop burden.

· Build and maintain manufacturing plans that support production execution once work is awarded.

· Create and maintain Bills of Material (BOMs) required for quoting and order release.

· Create job routings in Visibility ERP, ensuring clear operation sequencing, labor expectations, and production flow.

· Support project launch by attending kickoff meetings, clarifying scope, confirming routing strategy, and aligning estimated vs. planned execution.

· Evaluate internal and external capabilities to confirm feasibility, lead time, and cost targets.

· Support continuous improvement by reviewing awarded jobs vs. actual performance and updating estimating assumptions to improve future accuracy.

· Drive improvements in the quoting process through standardization, data tracking, automation, and advanced estimating methods.

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

· Strong understanding of machining processes, job shop workflows, and material behavior.

· Proven experience estimating machining work in a job shop or custom manufacturing environment.

· Ability to interpret complex technical drawings, tolerances, GD&T, and customer requirements.

· Strong analytical skills and the ability to build accurate cost models from limited input data.

· Experience working with ERP/MRP systems; ability to create routings and planning information in a job shop environment.

· High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

· Strong attention to detail with a high standard for accuracy.

· Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with multiple departments, such as purchasing, engineering, operations, and sales.

· Work directly with sales and the customer to interpret the scope, make recommendations, and capture project scope.

· Organized, deadline-driven, and able to manage multiple quotes and priorities simultaneously.

· Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with Visibility ERP.

· Experience building routings, manufacturing plans, and BOM structures for machining jobs.

· Background in manufacturing engineering or process planning.

· Experience using AI tools, automation, or data-driven quoting methods.

· Technical degree or certification in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the day.

· Ability to climb stairs as needed.

· Ability to lift up to 25 lbs infrequently.

Core Values:

· Do Right - Always!

· Customer Centric Teamwork

· Get it Done! - Well and Timely

· Drama Free Work Environment

· Be Smart, Grow & Learn, Stay Smart

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mach3 is an Equal Opportunity Employer considers all applicants without regard to disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.