Technical Estimator (Composites)

Job Description

Job Description

At Layup Parts, we're developing the technology that will build the future. 

We're a manufacturing technology company replacing months of lead time with days, using proprietary software, automation, and advanced manufacturing systems built for speed. Our customers are inventing what's next, in aerospace, defense, robotics, and beyond. To keep up with them, manufacturing has to change. That's what we're building. 

We’re looking for a highly technical, customer-oriented estimator to help bridge the gap between customer requirements and manufacturing execution. This role sits at the intersection of composites engineering, manufacturing, customer engagement, and commercial operations. You’ll work directly with leadership, customers, manufacturing, and software teams to evaluate incoming projects, develop technical proposals and estimates, provide DFM feedback, and help scale the systems that power our quoting and manufacturing workflows. 

This is an ideal role for someone with deep composites manufacturing knowledge who enjoys both technical problem-solving and customer interaction in a fast-moving startup environment.

What You'll Do:

• Evaluate incoming RFQs for composite parts and tooling
• Perform high-level DFM reviews and provide customers with manufacturability feedback early in the quoting process
• Review all customer provided documentation (including quality manuals and other contract requirements) for the purpose of providing an accurate quotation.
• Develop project estimates including materials, tooling, labor, manufacturing methods, quality requirements, and lead times
• Create high-level tooling designs for the purpose of providing a cost and lead time estimate
• Collaborate with customers to iterate on technical requirements, timelines, and scope
• Create project handover documents for accepted quotes. Provide all high-level designs, estimating assumptions, contract requirements, and other notables required for a clean handoff to manufacturing team for project execution
• Partner closely with manufacturing, operations, quality, and engineering teams to ensure smooth project handoff
• Help develop scalable estimating systems, costing frameworks, and internal software tools as Layup grows
• Work with Layup Parts' software team to provide estimating rules that are integrated into company-made software
• Position may require extended hours or weekend work

What We're Looking For:

• Be awesome! Be the person you want to work with.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or motorsport industries
• Strong understanding of composite part manufacturing processes and tooling methodologies 
• Excellent written, verbal, and group communication skills
• Comfortable communicating with customers and external stakeholders
• Capable of thoroughly documenting your work for others to understand 
• Excellent time management and multitasking skills; addresses all work with sense of urgency
• Experience in startups or small teams in fast-paced and quickly changing environments that have little to no established systems or structure

Preferred:

• Prior experience as an estimator in manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with standard aerospace quality requirements along with AS9100 basics
• Comfortable reviewing quality manuals and other contract documents; able to translate requirements into cost adjustments while quoting
• Excited by the prospect of 2x or 3x sales growth, with the multi-facility and multi-state growth

Final compensation is based on your experience, skills, and what you bring to the table.

Full Benefits Package:  Medical, dental, and vision coverage, short- and long-term disability insurance, company-paid life insurance

Equity Option Grants

401k plan

Paid Time Off: Unlimited PTO + 9 Federal Holidays

Equal Opportunity

Layup is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.