Estimator (Defense & Aerospace Manufacturing)

At Layup Parts, our mission is simple: deliver composite parts faster. We’re a technology‑first manufacturing startup that’s revolutionizing how composite tooling and parts are made for the aerospace, defense, and motorsports industries. Our customers are developing tomorrow's high‑tech products, and we are building technology to accelerate their success.

We’re looking for a Lead Estimator who is an expert in the design and manufacturing of composite parts and associated tooling. In this role, you would work closely with the CEO to develop project quotations, perform initial DFM reviews of incoming customer parts, engage with customers at the beginning of the quoting process to provide design feedback, and develop costing frameworks to feed into Layup’s internally built software systems. You would also interact with manufacturing engineers, operations personnel, and production team members to ensure that your project assumptions and customer communications are furthered on to the other teams when a project begins. You are an expert in composite manufacturing and can use this expertise to estimate price and lead time to a high level of accuracy.

you are a person who can maintain day‑to‑day operations while developing systems and strategies for six months, 1 year, or 3 years in the future. Pay, title, and job description are flexible; Provide estimates for all customer requests for quote; Interact with customers to provide DFM feedback as needed, iterate on quotes based on results of customer conversations.

Review all customer provided documentation (including quality manuals and other contract requirements) for the purpose of providing an accurate quotation.

Create project handover documents for accepted quotes. Provide all high‑level designs, estimating assumptions, contract requirements, and other notable required for a clean handoff to manufacturing team for project execution.

Work with operations and quality teams to understand full scope of job costs prior to completing estimate.

Work with software team to provide estimating rules that are integrated into company‑made software. Work with software team to improve internally built estimating systems.

Position may require extended hours or weekend work.

5+ years of relevant experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or motorsport industries.

Expert understanding of composite part and tooling design, along with all associated manufacturing methodologies.

Comfortable communicating with customers and external stakeholders. Also capable of thoroughly documenting your work for others to understand.

Experience with little to no established systems or structure.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience.

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; Excited by the prospect of 2x or 3x sales growth, with the multi‑facility and multi‑state growth.

$Medical, dental, and vision coverage, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, company‑paid life insurance.

Equity Option Grants
Unlimited PTO + 9 Federal Holidays.

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.

S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.J-18808-Ljbffr Layup Parts