$80,000–$120,000 Per Year
Analysis Skills, AutoCAD, Blueprints, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systems, Cost Estimates, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Engineering Drawing, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Grinding, Machine Tool, Machining, Machining Operations, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Cost, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Methods, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Organizational Skills, Plating Processes, Problem Solving Skills, Process Development, Production Costing, Production Machining, Production Planning, Risk Analysis, SolidWorks, Welding
Manufacturing Engineer Estimator
Role Overview
Seeking a Manufacturing Engineer Estimator with experience in precision machining and manufacturing processes. This role involves interpreting blueprints and GD&T, developing manufacturing plans, and preparing accurate cost estimates for custom and precision-machined components.
The ideal candidate has hands-on machine shop experience and can develop practical, cost-effective manufacturing solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Review blueprints, engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements.
- Determine manufacturing methods and develop process plans for CNC milling, turning, grinding, and inspection.
- Calculate setup and machining cycle times, particularly for milling and turning.
- Estimate labor, materials, tooling, machining, and production costs.
- Evaluate outside processing such as heat treating, plating, and specialty coatings.
- Identify manufacturing risks involving tolerances, GD&T, materials, and tooling.
- Prepare accurate estimates for custom and precision-machined components.
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure estimates are practical and manufacturable.
- Improve estimating accuracy, manufacturability, and quoting efficiency.
Required Qualifications
- Experience in manufacturing engineering, estimating, or a precision machine shop environment.
- Strong blueprint and GD&T interpretation skills.
- Knowledge of welding and fabrication, including fabrication prints.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining and machine setup.
- Experience calculating machining setup and cycle times for milling and turning.
- Ability to estimate tooling, feeds, speeds, labor, materials, and production costs.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD or SolidWorks; experience with at least one is required.
- Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Manufacturing estimating experience.
- Hands-on machinist or machine shop experience.
- Experience setting up and operating milling and turning equipment.
- Experience estimating custom, short-run, or precision-machined components.
- CNC programming or manufacturing process development experience.
- Knowledge of job costing, routing, and machine shop quoting.
- Mastercam or other CAM programming experience.
- Familiarity with manufacturing ERP/MRP systems.
- Experience with large or complex machined parts.
Education & Experience
Hands-on manufacturing and machine shop experience is highly valued. An engineering degree is beneficial but is not a substitute for relevant practical experience.
The ideal candidate combines shop-floor knowledge with the ability to develop accurate manufacturing estimates and production plans.
Compensation
$80,000–$120,000 per year, based on experience, technical skills, and education.
Ideal Candidate
A technically strong manufacturing professional who understands precision machining and CNC operations, confidently reads blueprints and GD&T, has practical welding and fabrication knowledge, accurately calculates machining times, and can use AutoCAD or SolidWorks to support effective manufacturing estimates and production planning.