Entry-Level Estimator

Big Rock Machining; Michigan; On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Vacation and Holidays

Job summary

Big Rock Machining is seeking an Entry-Level Estimator to support timely, accurate quotations for precision CNC work in an aerospace/defense environment. You’ll interpret RFQs, develop cost estimates, and document manufacturing strategies at the quote stage.

You do not need to know every machine or rule upfront; however, manufacturing fundamentals, careful work habits, and the discipline to ask questions before quoting are essential. This is a full-time, on-site role.

Qualifications

• Fundamental blueprint reading and shop math.
• GD&T and CNC manufacturing knowledge or ability to learn quickly.
• Comfort with spreadsheets and business software; ability to learn Paperless Parts and ProShop.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and communication.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQ drawings, models, specifications, revisions, quantities, and due dates for completeness.
• Develop proposed operation sequences and make/buy, material, machine, tooling, workholding, inspection, and outside-process assumptions for assigned work.
• Estimate setup, programming, run, material, inspection, tooling, fixture, and outside-processing costs using approved methods.
• Build clear, traceable estimates in Paperless Parts and use ProShop history and approved reference data to support assumptions.
• Request clarification and supplier input through approved channels; document risks, exclusions, and open questions.
• Check calculations and submit estimates for technical and commercial review on time.
• Support quote handoff and compare estimate assumptions with actual results to build stronger judgment.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Shop math

GD&T

CNC manufacturing knowledge

Spreadsheets

Paperless Parts

ProShop

Attention to detail

Good judgment

Written communication

Education

Technical coursework or hands-on machining/manufacturing/engineering technology/quality exposure

Tools

Paperless Parts

ProShop

Job description

$22 to $25 | Technical curiosity. Careful analysis. A clear path to grow.

Benefits of Working at Big Rock Machining:

We’ve built a great team that cares about the quality of our work, the success of our customers, the relationships we build, the skills we develop, and the value we bring to the world. The work we do matters to the security of our community and our country and we gladly accept the challenge.

We want our team to feel empowered to do their best here–and appreciated for it. We offer competitive benefits including:

• 401(k)
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation and Holidays

The OpportunitY

The Entry-Level Estimator supports timely, accurate quotations for build-to-print precision CNC machining work in Big Rock Machining Co.'s aerospace and defense environment. Working under review, this role interprets RFQ packages, uses Paperless Parts and ProShop, and develops a documented quote-stage manufacturing strategy and cost estimate for repeat, lower-risk, or moderately complex work.

You do not need to arrive knowing every machine or estimating rule. You do need manufacturing fundamentals, careful work habits, comfort with technical information, and the discipline to ask questions before an assumption becomes a quote.

How the Workflow Works

• Estimator: creates and documents the manufacturing strategy and cost basis at quote stage.
• Program Manager: adds contract requirements after award.
• Manufacturing Manager: creates the production plan.
• Manufacturing Coordinator: implements the approved router in ProShop.
• The Estimator supports clarification and handoff, but does not own released production planning or final router creation.

What Success Looks Like

• Assigned quotes are accurate, complete, traceable, reviewed, and returned on time.
• Manufacturing assumptions are practical and clearly documented, with questions raised early.
• Paperless Parts and estimating records can be understood and reused by others.
• Estimate-to-actual learning steadily improves quote quality and independence.

What You’ll Do

• Review RFQ drawings, models, specifications, revisions, quantities, and due dates for completeness.
• Develop proposed operation sequences and make/buy, material, machine, tooling, workholding, inspection, and outside-process assumptions for assigned work.
• Estimate setup, programming, run, material, inspection, tooling, fixture, and outside-processing costs using approved methods.
• Build clear, traceable estimates in Paperless Parts and use ProShop history and approved reference data to support assumptions.
• Request clarification and supplier input through approved channels; document risks, exclusions, and open questions.
• Check calculations and submit estimates for technical and commercial review on time.
• Support quote handoff and compare estimate assumptions with actual results to build stronger judgment.

What We’re Looking For

• Fundamental blueprint reading, shop math, measurement, GD&T, and CNC manufacturing knowledge, or the ability to develop these skills quickly.
• Technical coursework or hands‑on exposure in machining, manufacturing, engineering technology, quality, or a related field.
• Comfort with spreadsheets and business software and the ability to learn Paperless Parts and ProShop.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, follow-through, written communication, and willingness to accept review.
• Good judgment to recognize missing information and ask before proceeding.
• Work environment: This role combines computer-based estimating with periodic work in a precision CNC machining environment. Required personal protective equipment must be used in production areas. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals.

Preferred Qualifications

Exposure to aerospace/defense work, AS9100, Paperless Parts, ProShop, or another ERP/MES platform.

Big Rock Machining Co. is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals.