Cost Estimator

Faxon Machining, Inc.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Faxon Machining, Inc. is seeking an Estimator to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for RFQs by analyzing blueprints, specifications, and related data.

You will collaborate with sales, engineering, shop personnel and vendors to confirm requirements, assess capabilities, and develop accurate, competitive quotations within required timeframes.

The role emphasizes attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to translate complex data into clear cost proposals for customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent knowledge in estimating machining/fabrication.
• Advanced knowledge of machining processes and metal finishing.
• Ability to read blueprints and use SolidWorks, Word, Excel.
• Experience with DOD contracts (FAR/DFARS) preferred.
• Strong data analysis and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review blueprints and specifications to determine material and labor needs.
• Develop time, cost, and labor estimates for RFQ quotations.
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, shop, vendors, and customers.
• Identify bottlenecks, missing data, and scheduling conflicts.
• Maintain a cost estimating database and formal processes.
• Analyze completed projects to compare estimates with actual costs.

Skills

Reading blueprints

Cost estimating

Attention to detail

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in estimating machining/fabrication

Tools

SolidWorks

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

PURPOSE: The Estimator analyzes blueprints, job specifications and related data to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for quoting customer request for quote (RFQ).

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews customer blue prints, specifications and all relevant data to determine material and labor requirements
• When drawings are not available, reverse engineers from sample products to develop the data necessary to quote a job
• Consults with sales team, engineering department, shop team members, vendors and customers as required to:
• confirm customer requirements and ensure expectations are fully understood
• review company's internal capabilities to ensure the job specifications can be met
• identify scheduling conflicts, production bottlenecks, missing information
• obtain accurate and competitive pricing on materials and outside services
• discuss changes and adjustments to cost estimates and quotations
• Accurately identifies cost factors, develops pricing and prepares quotations within specified time frames. Completes quote forms and compiles related information
• Organizes and manages a cost estimating database and a formal process to support cost estimating to ensure historical data is utilized and applied to future quotations
• Analyzes completed projects to compare estimated costs to actual costs and determine the reason for any discrepancies. Utilizes this information to identify cost trends and provide improvement recommendations to cost estimating procedures to reduce future discrepancies between estimated and actual cost

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor degree or equivalent knowledge gained from experience related to estimating machining and fabrication jobs
• Advanced knowledge of machining processes, metal finishing, plating, heat treating; the ability to read blue prints; and proficiency with SolidWorks, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel
• Previous experience with DOD contracts strongly desired (FAR, DFARS)
• Apply business management principles to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Deal with several abstract and concrete variables
• Manage time effectively, in order to accomplish highest-priority goals and objectives
• Demonstrate effective spoken and written communication skills