Location:
29200 Calahan | Discipline:
Product Evaluation | Posting Date:
03/09/2026 |
Cost Estimator – Machined Parts
Position Overview
The Cost Estimator plays a key role in transforming customer RFQs into accurate, competitive, and strategically aligned production proposals. This position sits at the intersection of engineering, tooling, operations and sales – analyzing part geometry, materials, tooling requirements, and production volumes to model cost scenarios and guide pricing strategy.
Job Description
- Review and analyze customer RFQs, part files, 2D prints, 3D CAD models, and technical requirements
- Estimate complete part costs, including material, cycle time, labor, machine time, overhead, and secondary operations
- Model and compare pricing strategies such as full tool cost, subsidized tooling, or tooling-at-cost approaches
- Work closely with Sales and Engineering to develop compelling proposals, timelines, and customer-facing documentation
- Analyze part geometry, material specifications, mold complexity, assembly requirements, and production volumes to build accurate cost models
- Track historical quoting data and continuously refine cost models for improved accuracy and efficiency
- Support profitability analysis and pricing revisions during commercial negotiations
- Provide input into quoting workflows that connect engineering and sales, improving speed and consistency
- Research and procure vendor pricing directly from outside suppliers and/prototype CNC machining
- Perform other duties as assigned or directed
Qualifications & Requirements
- 3+ years of production cost estimating experience in tool & die, or manufacturing
- Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures, including material, machine rates, overhead, and labor
- Proficiency with part-costing tools such as Excel-based models, Paperless Parts, or similar software
- Ability to reach 2D engineering drawings and interpret 3D CAD models
- Ability to influence customer relationships and support strategic decision-making
- Efficient in Microsoft Suite of products
- Effective interpersonal skills
- Strong organization skills and ability to focus to complete complex quotes
- Ability to work as a team player as well as independently
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Experience with engineering change quoting
- Pricing experience in automotive, consumer goods, or aerospace molding industries
- Background in high-volume, low-mix manufacturing doing both production and prototype.
- Familiarity with various resin types and their impact on cycle times and shrinkage.
- Familiar with automotive OEM tooling forms
- Paperless Parts and Epicor software
