Aviation Estimator: RFQ & Cost Analysis Pro

Talentify; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter in Wichita, KS seeks an experienced Estimator to analyze requirements, blueprints, and project plans to develop accurate cost, material, and labor estimates for aviation-related manufacturing projects.

You will manage a high volume of RFQs, collaborate with vendors and contractors, and present detailed cost analyses to leadership. This full-time role offers benefits in a dynamic production environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of planning and estimating experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally including aviation-related projects.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Experience using CAD/CAM systems to support estimating activities.
• Advanced computer competency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with ERP systems in a manufacturing or production setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals inside and outside the organization.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a high-volume RFQ environment.
• Good judgment, problem-solving, and analytical abilities to develop accurate and competitive cost and labor estimates.
• Ability to comply with organizational instructions, procedures, standards, and policies while exercising professional discretion.
• Demonstrated professionalism and the ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive cost and pricing data.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Analyze requirement documents, blueprints, and project plans to understand each project.
• Determine factors of production that influence cost, including materials, labor, and external services.
• Prepare detailed material and cost estimates for products and services in a manufacturing environment.
• Create comprehensive labor estimates for projects, including aviation-related work.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and contractors to support pricing and quotations.
• Manage and organize bids from vendors to ensure information is complete and up to date.
• Use bid data and RFQ information to prepare detailed cost analyses for pricing decisions.
• Handle a high volume of RFQs (~30+ per week) with quality and accuracy.
• Present estimates and analyses to management clearly and professionally.
• Communicate with internal teams and external partners to gather and share information for estimating.
• Comply with internal instructions, procedures, standards, and policies, exercising professional discretion.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.

Skills

Blueprint reading

GD&T

ERP experience

CAD/CAM

MS Office

Communication

Time management

Analytical thinking

Cost estimation

Confidentiality

Aviation RFQs

Vendor relations

Tools

CAD/CAM systems

ERP systems

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Aston Carter in Wichita, KS seeks an experienced Estimator to analyze requirements, blueprints, and project plans to develop accurate cost, material, and labor estimates for aviation-related manufacturing projects.

You will manage a high volume of RFQs, collaborate with vendors and contractors, and present detailed cost analyses to leadership. This full-time role offers benefits in a dynamic production environment.