Estimating Engineer

Our Estimating Engineer will be experienced and knowledgeable in both pricing and engineering within the custom manufacturing market. To be successful in this role the estimator will collaborate with customers, sales, and engineering teams to understand specific project requirements, they will be inquisitive to be able to determine the most efficient manufacturing plans. Responsibilities include responding to multiple RFQs, balancing multiple quote requests simultaneously while meeting expected turnaround times and providing technical support to our sales team.

American Flexible Products (AFP) is a state-of-the-art manufacturing company specializing in the custom conversion of foam, sponge, rubber, EMI/RFI shielding materials, and a wide range of flexible materials. Our solutions address gasketing, bonding, vibration dampening, thermal management, and conductivity challenges across diverse industries. As an AS9100-registered and ITAR-registered company, we uphold the highest standards of quality and compliance, making us a trusted partner for aerospace, defense, medical, electronics, and other high-performance applications. We are also a Preferred Converter for both 3M and Rogers Corporation, giving our customers access to premium materials such as 3M adhesives, VHB tapes, and ROGERS PORON and BISCO Silicones-ensuring optimal performance in even the most demanding environments.


With over 35 years of experience, AFP has established itself as a market leader in custom fabrication. Our advanced engineering capabilities, deep material expertise, and diverse manufacturing technologies enable us to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions-whether for prototyping or high-volume production runs.
Located in Chaska, MN, AFP is committed to exceptional quality and outstanding customer service. We are a 100% employee-owned company which means every team member is personally invested in your success. When you partner with AFP, you work directly with an owner-ensuring dedication, expertise, and a shared commitment to delivering top-tier solutions tailored to your needs.

American Flexible Products maintains ITAR-compliant operations. Due to ITAR regulations, this role is only open to U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or foreign nationals granted refugee or asylee status. Individuals with temporary visas (e.g. E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, TN or OPT) are not eligible for hire in this role.

MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY :

• Analyze blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for products, projects, or services.
• Thoroughly review and understand customer RFQ drawings, product specifications, and quality requirements to develop custom product design and production plans; working with engineering and production as needed.
• Provide prompt, accurate, and competitive quotes to customers on part opportunities.
• Communicate directly with customers to ensure clarity and satisfaction.
• Provide technical support to the sales team in group meetings or sales calls, both virtually and in person as needed.
• Utilize CAD software to view and generate drawings as needed.
• Use customer portals to view, maintain, and submit RFQs.
• Identify and contact suppliers to research new materials and sourcing opportunities when needed. Build and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure timely responses with the best pricing.
• Monitor quote dashboard to ensure on-time quote delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• At least 3 years of experience in Estimating Engineering, Design Engineering, Project Engineering or related experience.
• Experience in project cost analysis and pricing structures.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, estimating platforms, and customer portals.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality requirements preferred.
• Experience working with Aerospace and Defense industries preferred.

COMPUTER SKILLS :

Proficiency with basic computer skills is required. Experience with Microsoft office suite and ERP systems preferred. Epicor and Paperless Parts experience is a plus.

LANGUAGE SKILLS :

Must be able to communicate (read, write, and speak) fluently in English. Ability to read and interpret documents such as blueprints, safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals. Must have the ability to communicate effectively with team members, engineers and leadership staff.


COMMUNICATION SKILLS :

Open to overtime as needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires mostly stationery, desktop functions with long periods of time viewing computer screens and small motor movements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :


This role is onsite and not eligible to work remotely. This position will be in the corporate office environment but will spend time in the manufacturing environment. The work area in the production environment includes exposure to noise, moving machinery and a temperature-controlled environment. The noise level in that work area is usually moderate. Less than 10% travel time, if needed to support sales team or attend offsite training.