Project Engineer

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

Job summary

Optima UK Inc Ltd in Coventry is seeking an Estimator-Led Project Engineer to join our aerospace manufacturing team. The role blends manufacturing cost estimation with project coordination from enquiry to delivery.

You will interpret RFQs, develop detailed costings and establish efficient manufacturing routes for aero-engine components, while managing costs, timescales and customer relationships to ensure successful project delivery.

Qualifications

• Aero-engine or aerospace experience is preferred.
• Experience preparing cost estimates or project costings.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, RFQs and technical specs.
• Understanding of precision machining and production methods.
• Experience estimating labour, machine, material and subcontract costs.
• Strong commercial awareness including margins and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs and engineering drawings to derive technical requirements.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates and quotations for aero components and assemblies.
• Calculate manufacturing costs including labour, tooling, materials and subcontracting.
• Define manufacturing routes, processes, cycle times and costs.
• Coordinate with suppliers to obtain quotes and lead times.
• Manage projects from order to delivery, tracking costs and deadlines.
• Maintain regular customer contact and present quotations.

Skills

Aero engines

Cost estimation

Project coordination

Manufacturing processes

Engineering drawings interpretation

Commercial awareness

Tools

Excel

Job description

Estimator-Led Project Engineer - Aerospace / Aero Engines

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 an established engineering and manufacturing business specialising in complex metallic components for the aerospace sector. Operating across commercial and military aerospace markets, the business delivers high-precision manufacturing solutions through advanced engineering, fabrication, machining and supply chain capabilities.

About the Role

An opportunity has arisen for an Estimator-Led Project Engineer to join a growing aerospace manufacturing business.

This is a commercially focused, hands-on role combining manufacturing cost estimation with project coordination and delivery. You will take customer requirements from initial enquiry and quotation through to order placement and final delivery, working closely with engineering, manufacturing, procurement and quality teams throughout.

The main focus will be understanding customer requirements, developing accurate costings and establishing the most effective manufacturing routes for complex aero-engine components. Once orders are secured, you will take ownership of the project, ensuring costs, timescales and technical requirements are managed effectively while maintaining strong customer relationships.

This role would suit someone from an aerospace estimating, manufacturing engineering, cost engineering or project engineering background who understands both the commercial and practical aspects of precision manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret customer RFQs, engineering drawings, specifications and technical requirements.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates and quotations for complex aerospace engine components and assemblies.
• Calculate manufacturing costs, including labour, machining, materials, tooling, fixtures, engineering activities and subcontract operations.
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations to establish manufacturing routes, processes, cycle times and associated costs.
• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain quotations, assess capabilities and confirm lead times.
• Work with customers to clarify technical requirements and support the preparation and presentation of quotations.
• Evaluate commercial viability, manufacturing risks and project margins to ensure competitive and accurate pricing.
• Take ownership of projects once orders are secured, coordinating activities from order placement through to delivery.
• Coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement and other internal departments to maintain project progress.
• Monitor project costs, deadlines, risks and technical requirements throughout the delivery process.
• Manage changes to scope, costs and timescales, communicating updates to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain regular customer contact, providing updates and resolving issues as they arise.
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy, manufacturing efficiency and project delivery processes.

About You

You will have experience within an aero-engine manufacturing environment, with a strong understanding of precision engineering, metallic components and the processes involved in their manufacture.

You may currently work in estimating, cost engineering, manufacturing engineering, project engineering or a similar technical role, but you must be comfortable producing manufacturing costings and taking responsibility for projects through to delivery.

Ideally, you will have:

• Previous experience within aero-engine or aerospace component manufacturing.
• Experience preparing manufacturing cost estimates, quotations or detailed project costings.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings, customer RFQs and technical specifications.
• A sound understanding of precision machining, manufacturing processes, tooling and production methods.
• Experience calculating labour, machine, material and subcontract costs.
• An understanding of manufacturing routes, process planning and production timescales.
• Experience coordinating engineering or manufacturing projects through to completion.
• Strong commercial awareness, including cost control, margins and manufacturing risk.
• The ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers and internal engineering teams.
• Good Microsoft Excel and general IT skills.
• A practical, organised approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to take ownership of both the commercial and delivery stages of aerospace manufacturing projects within a growing business.

You will have the opportunity to influence how work is costed, quoted and delivered, working closely with technical and operational teams to ensure projects are commercially viable and meet customer expectations.