Aerospace Estimator

Optima UK Inc Ltd; Coventry; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Optima UK Inc Ltd is seeking an experienced Aerospace Estimator in Coventry to develop accurate, commercially viable quotations and coordinate cross-functional teams from quote to delivery.

You will interpret customer requirements, develop cost estimates for labour, tooling and materials, and ensure competitive pricing while protecting margins. This role requires strong Excel skills and aerospace manufacturing knowledge.

Qualifications

• Proven estimating experience within aerospace manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes and machining.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications and RFQs.
• Ability to translate processes into accurate labour, machine, tooling and subcontract costs.
• Experience taking projects from quotation through to delivery.
• Strong commercial awareness with an understanding of costs and margins.
• Excellent communication with customers, suppliers and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret customer RFQs, drawings, specifications and technical requirements.
• Produce detailed and accurate cost estimates for aerospace components and assemblies.
• Develop costings covering labour, machining, materials, tooling, fixtures, subcontract operations and engineering activities.
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations to establish manufacturing routes, processes, times and costs.
• Obtain and assess supplier and subcontractor quotations, lead times and capabilities.
• Liaise with customers to clarify requirements and support quotation development.
• Ensure quotations are commercially competitive while maintaining margins and managing risk.
• Present estimates internally for commercial and technical reviews.
• Manage the project through to completion after order is secured, coordinating Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Procurement.
• Monitor project costs, timings and risks, and manage changes to scope and schedule.
• Provide regular progress updates to customers.

Skills

Aerospace estimating

RFQ interpretation

Costing and margins

Labor and machine costing

Manufacturing processes

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Location: Coventry

Commutable from: Coventry, Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington Spa, Rugby and surrounding areas

Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 (DOE)

Working hours: Full-time, permanent

About the Company

Our client is a leading engineering and manufacturing organisation specialising in complex metallic components for the aerospace sector. Serving both commercial and military aerospace markets, they provide high-precision manufacturing solutions and support customers globally through advanced engineering, fabrication, machining and supply chain capabilities.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Aerospace Estimator to join a growing aerospace manufacturing business.

The role is estimator-led: interpreting customer requirements, developing accurate and commercially viable quotations, and working closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to establish the most effective production route. Once work is secured, you will remain closely involved through to delivery, coordinating internal departments, monitoring cost and timescales, and supporting the customer relationship.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret customer RFQs, drawings, specifications and technical requirements.


• Produce detailed and accurate cost estimates for aerospace components and assemblies.


• Develop costings covering labour, machining, materials, tooling, fixtures, subcontract operations and engineering activities.


• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations to establish manufacturing routes, processes, times and costs.


• Obtain and assess supplier and subcontractor quotations, lead times and capabilities.


• Liaise directly with customers to clarify requirements and support the development of quotations.


• Ensure quotations are commercially competitive while maintaining appropriate margins and considering manufacturing risk.


• Present and discuss estimates internally, supporting commercial and technical reviews.


• Once an order is secured, manage the project through to completion, coordinating Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Procurement.


• Monitor project costs, timings and risks, and manage changes to scope, cost and timescale.


• Maintain regular customer communication and provide progress updates.


• Support continuous improvement of estimating, costing and project management processes

About You

You will ideally have:

• Proven estimating experience within aerospace manufacturing (aero-engine experience is highly desirable).


• A strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, particularly precision machining and metallic components.


• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications and customer RFQs.


• Experience producing detailed manufacturing cost estimates and translating processes into accurate labour, machine, tooling and subcontract costs.


• Experience taking projects from quotation/order stage through to delivery.


• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of project costs and margins.


• Excellent communication skills with customers, suppliers and internal departments.


• Strong Microsoft Excel and general IT skills.


• A practical, hands-on approach and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.