Cost Estimator / Applications Engineer

ArtiFlex Manufacturing, Inc; Jackson (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Competitive Compensation

Annual Bonus Opportunity

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Development and Training

Job summary

ArtiCast, part of the ArtiFlex family, is seeking a Cost Estimator / Applications Engineer in Jackson, Tennessee to deliver accurate quotations for cast components and support customer success from quotation through production.

You'll review drawings, analyze costs across castings, tooling, machining, finishing, and assembly, and collaborate with Production, Purchasing, Quality, and Engineering to ensure competitive pricing and successful launches.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing estimating or applications engineering.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and BOMs.
• Understanding of manufacturing costs and production processes.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with Excel and ERP/CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate quotations for castings, tooling, machining, finishing, inspection, and packaging.
• Collaborate with Production, Purchasing, Quality, and Engineering to validate costs and assumptions.
• Serve as primary customer contact during quotation process and provide technical/commercial support.
• Analyze production costs vs quotes to improve accuracy and profitability.
• Support new business opportunities and product launches with data-driven insights.

Skills

Cost estimation

Drawing interpretation

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

ERP/CRM familiarity

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's in Engineering/Manufacturing/Business

Tools

CAD models

ERP/CRM systems

Job description

Help Shape the Future of Manufacturing at ArtiCast, an ArtiFlex Family Company.

As ArtiCast continues to grow, we're looking for a Cost Estimator / Applications Engineer to play a critical role in winning new business and supporting customer success. As part of the ArtiFlex family of companies, ArtiCast offers the agility of a growing business backed by the strength, resources, and stability of an established manufacturing organization.

The Cost Estimator / Applications Engineer prepares accurate quotations for cast components, serves as a primary point of contact for customer inquiries, and supports the engineering team as products move from quotation through production. This role combines commercial judgment with an understanding of casting processes, machining, tooling, and manufacturing costs.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys both the technical and business sides of manufacturing. You'll work directly with customers, engineering, operations, quality, and leadership teams to develop solutions that help win new business and launch exciting products into production.

Whether you're evaluating a new casting opportunity, developing cost models, or supporting a customer through a product launch, you'll have a direct impact on the continued growth and success of ArtiCast.

What You'll Do:

Cost Estimating & Quoting

• Review customer drawings, specifications, annual volumes, and RFQs to understand requirements and identify any missing information.
• Develop competitive and accurate cost estimates for castings, tooling, machining, finishing, inspection, packaging, and freight.
• Collaborate with Production, Purchasing, Quality, and Engineering teams to validate process assumptions, material usage, cycle times, yields, and outsourced services.
• Prepare professional quotations with pricing, lead times, technical assumptions, and exceptions.
• Analyze actual production costs versus quoted estimates to continuously improve quotation accuracy and profitability.

Customer & Business Development Support

• Serve as a primary customer contact throughout the quotation process.
• Respond to customer inquiries and provide technical and commercial support.
• Coordinate quotation activity and follow up on open opportunities.
• Maintain accurate customer, quotation, and order information within company systems.
• Support business growth by identifying opportunities within existing and prospective customer relationships.
• Partner with leadership to help win new business and contribute to ArtiCast's expansion strategy.

Applications & Engineering Support

• Review component designs for manufacturability and support development of casting and secondary process strategies.
• Assist with tooling development, product launches, sample submissions, and production trials.
• Support engineering documentation, work instructions, and engineering change management activities.
• Gather and analyze production and quality data to identify cost savings, process improvements, and scrap reduction opportunities.
• Communicate process and specification changes across cross‑functional teams to ensure successful implementation.

What We're Looking For:

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in manufacturing estimating, applications engineering, inside sales, process engineering, project engineering, or a related technical role.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of material.
• Understanding of manufacturing costs and production processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP/CRM systems.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and with customers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in casting, foundry, die casting, machining, or metal manufacturing environments.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field.
• Experience estimating cast, machined, or manufactured components.
• Familiarity with CAD models and engineering documentation.
• Experience supporting new product launches and continuous improvement initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate:

You are naturally curious, technically minded, and business-focused. You enjoy solving manufacturing challenges, building relationships with customers, and collaborating with teams to deliver successful outcomes. You are comfortable analyzing data, developing cost models, and communicating technical information in a way that helps customers and teammates make informed decisions.

Most importantly, you're excited about helping grow a business and making a meaningful impact on its future success.

Why ArtiFlex?

At ArtiFlex, you're more than an employee, you're an owner.

Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), every team member shares in the success they help create.

We are committed to investing in our employees both professionally and personally by offering:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Competitive Compensation
• Annual Bonus Opportunity
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability Coverage
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Development and Training Opportunities
• Prescription Safety Glasses Reimbursement
• Tool Purchase Assistance Program
• Vehicle Purchase Supplier Discounts
• Employee Events, Celebrations, and Recognition Programs