CNC Manufacturing Estimator

Wagner Machine Company; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

401(k) options

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Disability coverage

Breakfast every Thursday

Four-and-a-half-day workweek

Job summary

Wagner Machine Company is seeking a technically capable CNC Manufacturing Estimator to develop accurate quotes, solve manufacturing challenges, and build lasting relationships with customers in a precision-machining environment.

Reporting to the CEO, you will collaborate with sales, quality, production, and leadership to quote work accurately, communicate openly, and support profitable growth while ensuring documentation and compliance with industry standards and contract clauses.

Qualifications

• US person qualifying under ITAR regulations
• High school diploma or equivalent is required
• Three+ years of CNC manufacturing experience; estimating, inside sales, CNC operations, engineering, or related manufacturing experience preferred
• Advanced ability to read engineering drawings, interpret tolerances, and apply GD&T
• Practical knowledge of precision-machining processes, tooling types, and manufacturing techniques
• Ability to read 2D/3D CAD files and view parts for manufacturability
• Experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Office
• Understanding of manufacturing standards and customer contract clauses
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills
• Clear written and verbal communication; ability to manage multiple priorities

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through responsive service and practical technical solutions
• Develop accurate, comprehensive cost estimates for custom manufacturing projects
• Review customer 2D drawings, 3D models, CAD files, tolerances, and specifications
• Evaluate part geometry and tolerances for manufacturability; recommend design-for-manufacturability improvements when appropriate
• Develop efficient manufacturing process plans and identify cost-saving process options
• Calculate material requirements, labor, tooling, outside services, lead times, and other quoting inputs
• Prepare and submit formal proposals and quotations for customer review
• Clearly communicate pricing, capabilities, risks, opportunities, and lead times with honesty and integrity
• Generate and close business while maintaining Wagner’s standards and core values
• Maintain accurate records of sales activity, customer interactions, quotations, and project details
• Account for applicable industry standards, customer-specific requirements, and contract clauses
• Collaborate with sales, quality, production, and management to ensure complete documentation and alignment with customer expectations
• Improve estimating processes, quoting tools, and supporting documentation
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Estimating

Customer relationships

Reading drawings

GD&T knowledge

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks

DraftSight

FeatureCAM

PowerMill

PartMaker

ERP software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Wagner Machine Company is a growing manufacturer of precision-machined parts for industries including aerospace, defense, electronics, and semiconductors. We are seeking a technically capable, customer-focused CNC Manufacturing Estimator to develop accurate quotes, help customers solve manufacturing challenges, and build lasting business relationships.

Reporting to the CEO, this role is central to turning challenging customer requirements into practical, cost-effective manufacturing solutions. You will collaborate closely with sales, quality, production, and leadership teams to quote work accurately, communicate openly, and support profitable growth.

What You’ll Do

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through responsive service and practical technical solutions
• Develop accurate, comprehensive cost estimates for custom manufacturing projects
• Review customer 2D drawings, 3D models, CAD files, tolerances, and specifications
• Evaluate part geometry and tolerances for manufacturability; recommend design-for-manufacturability improvements when appropriate
• Develop efficient manufacturing process plans and identify cost-saving process options
• Calculate material requirements, labor, tooling, outside services, lead times, and other quoting inputs
• Prepare and submit formal proposals and quotations for customer review
• Clearly communicate pricing, capabilities, risks, opportunities, and lead times with honesty and integrity
• Generate and close business while maintaining Wagner’s standards and core values
• Maintain accurate records of sales activity, customer interactions, quotations, and project details
• Account for applicable industry standards, customer-specific requirements, and contract clauses
• Collaborate with sales, quality, production, and management to ensure complete documentation and alignment with customer expectations
• Improve estimating processes, quoting tools, and supporting documentation
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You’ll Bring

• Qualification as a U.S. person under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Ability to pass a physical, drug screen, and background check
• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least three years of CNC manufacturing experience; estimating, inside sales, CNC operations, engineering, or other advanced manufacturing experience is preferred
• Advanced ability to read engineering drawings, interpret tolerances, and apply GD&T
• Practical knowledge of precision-machining processes, tooling types, and manufacturing techniques
• Ability to make sound manufacturability decisions and identify potential production risks
• Familiarity with 2D and 3D CAD software for viewing and dimensioning parts
• Experience with ERP software and Microsoft Office
• Understanding of manufacturing standards and the ability to translate them into practical production requirements
• Familiarity with customer contract clauses and customer-specific requirements
• Strong analytical, quantitative, organizational, and time-management skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and build productive relationships with coworkers, customers, and vendors
• Interest in staying current on machining technology, tooling strategies, and automation

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with one or more of the following is a plus:

• LEAN manufacturing or 5S environments
• ISO9001 or AS9100D-certified businesses
• CRM software
• CAD/CAM software, including SolidWorks, DraftSight, FeatureCAM, PowerMill, or PartMaker
• Small, precision CNC-machined parts
• Machining-process troubleshooting
• Lights-out automation or robotic part handling

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $65,000–$85,000, depending on experience.

Wagner Machine Company offers health and dental insurance, 401(k) options, paid vacation, paid holidays, parental leave, short- and long-term disability coverage, company-subsidized apparel, a four-and-a-half-day workweek, and breakfast every Thursday.

About Wagner Machine Company

Wagner Machine Company is a small, growing, machinist-owned company with approximately 45 employees. Many members of our leadership team began as machinists, and they remain actively involved in solving challenging manufacturing problems.

We are also a genuine family company, with second- and third-generation employees on our team. Half of our staff has been with Wagner for five years or more, and many have been here for over 10 years. We combine the benefits and professional-development opportunities of a larger organization with the flexibility, teamwork, and personal connection of a small shop.

We support employees who want to advance. Wagner will pay for relevant classes and training, and we encourage team members to develop new skills. Our goal is to train you well enough to work anywhere—and treat you well enough that you choose to stay.