Manufacturing Cost Estimator

A Manufacturing Cost Estimator is responsible for analyzing and calculating the total cost required to manufacture products.

The role evaluates materials, labor, machine time, tooling, overhead, outside processing, and production methods to develop accurate cost estimates that support pricing, quoting, budgeting, and profitability decisions.

In an aerospace manufacturing environment, the estimator works closely with engineering, supply chain, operations, and finance to ensure proposed designs and manufacturing processes are both technically feasible and cost-effective.

The position often supports customer RFQs, contract negotiations, make-versus-buy analyses, and continuous cost-reduction initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates for new products, assemblies, and customer RFQs.
• Analyze material, labor, tooling, machine, and overhead costs.
• Review engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and manufacturing routings.
• Perform "should-cost" analyses and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Evaluate alternative manufacturing methods, suppliers, and production processes.
• Partner with engineering on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and cost optimization initiatives.
• Support pricing strategies and business case development.
• Monitor actual costs versus estimated costs and improve estimating accuracy.
• Conduct risk assessments related to production cost, schedule, and supply chain impacts.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machining, fabrication, assembly, and aerospace production methods.
• Ability to read technical drawings and specifications.
• Cost modeling and financial analysis skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Excel.
• Knowledge of labor standards, burden rates, overhead allocation, and quoting practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Typical Success Measures

• Estimate accuracy
• Gross margin achievement
• Quote turnaround time
• Cost reduction opportunities identified
• Win rate on customer proposals
• Budget and production cost performance

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

• Technical Knowledge of aerospace cost estimation.
• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related technical field.

Language Ability:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision, and depth perception.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.