Cost Estimator

General Information

Name


Cost Estimator


Employment Type


Direct Hire


Position level


Full-time


Virtual/Remote?


No


Labor Category


Engineering


Date


14-May-2026


City


Rockford


State


Illinois


Country


United States


Ref #


9247857898


Description & Requirements

Description

Cost Estimator
Onsite - Rockford, Illinois
Direct Hire
Salary: $90,000 - $100,000+ (DOE)
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and technically driven Cost Estimator with a strong background in machine tools, industrial equipment, or precision manufacturing . This role is responsible for developing accurate, data-driven cost estimates, supporting proposal development, and improving cost standardization across product lines.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with mechanical assemblies and manufacturing processes, the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and BOMs, and a collaborative approach to working with engineering and production teams to optimize design-to-cost performance.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering & Cost Estimation

• Interpret and analyze detailed mechanical drawings, GD&T, assembly prints, and technical documentation
• Develop detailed bottom-up cost estimates for mechanical, structural, electrical, and purchased components
• Evaluate manufacturing processes including machining, fabrication, assembly, and testing to determine labor hours and routing
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to validate cycle times, methods, and resource requirements
• Perform should-cost analysis for machined parts, weldments, and complex assemblies

BOM & Cost Structure Management

• Build and maintain multi-level Bills of Materials (BOMs) with complete cost roll-ups
• Standardize cost structures across machine platforms and product lines
• Identify major cost drivers and recommend opportunities for cost reduction
• Support design-to-cost initiatives through manufacturability and material optimization feedback

Supplier & Component Costing

• Identify critical components and obtain supplier quotations
• Interface directly with vendors to secure technical and commercial pricing
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, lead times, and competitiveness
• Support sourcing decisions through detailed cost comparisons

Cost Modeling & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and update labor standards, material pricing, and cost databases
• Conduct annual cost reviews and validate standard costing assumptions
• Drive value engineering and process improvement initiatives
• Support machine platform standardization to improve scalability and reduce variability

Technical & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Mechanical Engineering, Project Engineering, and Technical teams
• Participate in design reviews, providing cost and manufacturability input
• Support product development by aligning engineering decisions with cost targets
• Collaborate with Area Managers to develop technically accurate and competitive proposals
• Analyze estimated vs. actual project costs and identify variances
• Assist with commissioning and startup activities to ensure cost and performance alignment

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in machine tools, CNC systems, industrial equipment, or precision manufacturing
• Strong ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, assemblies, and GD&T
• Deep understanding of machining, fabrication, assembly, and manufacturing processes
• Experience developing detailed cost models and BOM structures
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel
• Excellent analytical, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred but not required

Preferred Background

• Experience with machine tool assemblies and automation systems
• Knowledge of cost reduction, value engineering, and design-for-manufacturing principles
• Familiarity with supplier sourcing and technical procurement processes
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Engineering?
Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we're here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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