Aerospace Estimator

JR United Kingdom; Salterforth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company is seeking an Aerospace Estimator to join their rapidly growing team. The role involves preparing cost estimates, collaborating with engineering teams, and engaging with customers. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a related field and experience in cost estimation within the industry, ready to work in a meritocratic culture that values integrity and excellence.

Benefits

Strategic impact on critical operational processes

Opportunity to work on high-stakes projects

Meritocratic culture

Qualifications

• Over 2 years experience in cost estimation, manufacturing, or engineering in aerospace/defense.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining and aerospace assembly processes.
• Proficient in interpreting technical drawings and CAD models.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for aerospace and defense projects.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate manufacturing feasibility.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers for competitive pricing.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Estimation software

Job description

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Enabling the free world’s leading aerospace, space, and defense institutions. BUOYANCY AEROSPACE was founded in 2022 to meet the rising demand for solutions in aerospace, space, and defense—markets underserved by a dysfunctional supply chain. We attract the most capable talent with integrity and build and leverage generative AI for digital and physical solutions. We are proud to contribute significantly to the most prestigious and complex aerospace, space, and defense platforms—some under confidential mandates.

We are not a company of promises. With active production facilities in the UK and Germany and a growing workforce of currently >150 employees, we are scaling rapidly, but already delivering to our customers.

Our culture is highly purpose-driven, constantly delivering innovation, exceptional standards, execution. This is a high-performance environment. If you seek meaningful work at the intersection of technology and defense, this is the place for you. Those looking for the comfort of a standard role are discouraged from applying.

The Role: Aerospace Estimator

We are seeking a meticulous and detail-oriented Aerospace Estimator for the structural airframe components section of BUOYANCY AEROSPACE Ltd, UK. The successful candidate will service the subsidiaries of BUOYANCY AEROSPACE Ltd., BUOYANCY AEROSPACE V1 Ltd in the UK and BUOYANCY AEROSPACE DE GmbH in Germany.

Key Responsibilities include the following dimensions.

Cost Estimation and Quotation Preparation:

• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for aerospace and defence projects, including CNC milling, turning, structural components, treatments, and assembly.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for composite manufacturing processes, including lay-up, curing, routing, painting, and assembly operations.
• Analyse technical drawings, CAD models, and specifications to determine project scope, material requirements, and labour costs.
• Utilise estimation software and tools to streamline processes and improve accuracy.

Project Analysis and Evaluation:

• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to evaluate manufacturing feasibility and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Assess project risks and incorporate contingency allowances into estimates.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and internal policies.
• Identify Value Added projects based on cost savings, efficiency, health & safety, etc.

Supplier and Vendor Coordination:

• Obtain quotes for raw materials, subcontracted processes (e.g., heat treatments, surface finishes), and other services.
• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and reliable delivery timelines.

Customer Engagement and Support:

• Communicate with customers to clarify technical requirements and resolve any ambiguities in specifications.
• Provide guidance on manufacturing capabilities and alternative solutions when needed.

Process Improvement and Reporting:

• Continuously refine estimation methodologies to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain and update estimation databases, cost models, and pricing structures.
• Prepare detailed reports on estimation outcomes, win/loss analysis, and trends in project bids.
• Maintain and update relevant master data related to tooling life, costs, run times through time studies, etc. to ensure accurate pricing.

Required Skills and Qualifications

First and foremost, you must bring outstanding problem solving skills, strong work ethics, and integrity to the table. Furthermore, we consider the following formal requirements relevant.

Educational Background:

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• >2 years of experience in cost estimation, manufacturing, or engineering within the aerospace or defence industry.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining (milling, turning), structural components manufacturing, and aerospace assembly processes.
• Detailed Composites understanding from lay-up, material nesting and curing.Alongside assembly and painting.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings and CAD models (e.g., using SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar tools).
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and estimation software.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials, treatments (anodizing, plating, etc.), and quality standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001).
• Metallics and Composites engineering experience required.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities to work with cross-functional teams and clients.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and meeting deadlines.

What We Offer

We believe to offer something different.

• Strategic Impact: Shape critical operational processes and establish a legacy of excellence in a rapidly scaling organisation.
• Prestige and Innovation: Work on high-stakes projects that define the future of aerospace, space, and defense.
• Meritocratic Culture: Join an organisation where excellence, integrity, and results are the foundation of everything we do. We are proud of our unique team ethos, enabling and supporting each other and going the extra mile together.

At BUOYANCY AEROSPACE, we are committed to a purely merit-based environment where performance, capability, and integrity are all that matter. We do not hire based on race, skin colour, gender, religion, or any other personal characteristic protected by the law; we believe in rewarding talent, dedication, integrity, and results.

To be considered for this role, please submit a complete application (motivational letter, CV, and all references) to [emailprotected]