Cost Estimator I

ptitechnologies; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ptitechnologies is seeking a cost estimator responsible for preparing government and commercial RFQ cost estimates. The role requires interpreting RFQ requirements, analyzing drawings, and assembling BOMs and routings to ensure compliant, auditable estimates.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance with 2–5 years of manufacturing experience, strong Excel skills (pivot tables, macros), and solid written and verbal communication abilities to coordinate with multiple departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance required; 2–5 years experience; manufacturing environment preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documents; write reports and correspondence; present information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel (pivot tables, linking, macros).

Responsibilities

• Interpret RFQ requirements and proposal drawings to prepare cost estimates.
• Generate preliminary BOMs and internal quote requests; review BOM structures and routings.
• Maintain knowledge of costs, materials, tooling, and manufacturing methods for estimating.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Purchasing for clarifications and make/buy decisions.
• Maintain complete records; prepare audit packages and support fact-finding sessions.
• Audit cost-estimating activities; provide standard cost data for new products.
• Review variances to standard cost (Manufacturing, PPV) that affect estimates.
• Create and maintain desk top procedures.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

MRP

ERP

Job description

SUMMARY

Responsible for preparing cost estimates submitted in response to Government & Commercial solicitations for new & recurring business, ensuring responsiveness, compliance and audit ability to the requirements of the Request for Quote (RFQ) .

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interprets requirements per the RFQ, released Engineering drawings, engineering estimating data forms and proposal drawings & sketches. Works with bill of material, delivery schedule, purchase order history, vendor quotes, manufacturing routers and cost accounting reports in preparing cost estimates.
• Generates preliminary bills of material and internal quote requests as required. Initiates manufacturing engineering request forms for review of bill of material structures and routings as required.
• Maintains knowledge of current manufacturing methods, material costs, estimating techniques including the ability to estimate raw material, purchase parts and processes, tooling costs, machine, assembly & test hours.
• Interfaces with Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Purchasing in pursuit of design clarification, make/buy decisions, manufacturing methods, tooling requirements, etc. for new products.
• Maintains complete, accurate & documented records supporting the basis for each prepared cost estimate. Presents completed projects for management review. Prepares audit packages and supports fact finding sessions as required.
• Audits cost estimating activities done outside the Estimating department. Provides standard cost data for new products as requited.
• Reviews, analyzes & investigates variances to standard cost (Manufacturing, PPV, etc.) that may impact cost estimating assumptions.
• Generates and maintains desk top procedures as required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Accounting / Finance from four-year college or university required, two to five years experience, with one year ofexperience in a manufacturing environment preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers and other employees.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Requires strong proficiency in using Microsoft Office software such as Excel, Power point and Word. Excel proficiency to include pivot tables, file linking & macros. Requires working knowledge of business systems applications such as MRP and ERP, and financial applications. Detail oriented. Sound understanding of bills of material, routings and standard cost elements. Mechanical aptitude. Strong organizational and communication skills. Strong written & verbal communication and collaborative skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to work with personal computer and other standard office equipment. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.