Estimator

The Structures Company; California; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)

Job summary

The Structures Company in Rancho Dominguez, CA is seeking an Estimator for contract manufacturing estimates in aerospace and defense. You will review RFQs, drawings, and specs to define scope and develop complete cost proposals within deadlines.

Responsibilities include labor estimation for composite layup, curing, machining, finishing, inspection, and assembly, plus material, tooling, NRE, and first article cost calculations. ITAR compliance is required.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR regulations.
• 2+ years manufacturing estimating or related cost analysis experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
• Experience estimating labor for manufacturing operations including composite layup, curing, machining, finishing, inspection, and assembly.
• Experience calculating raw material requirements, utilization rates, scrap factors, yields, and purchasing quantities.
• Experience estimating tooling, fixtures, NRE, qualification testing, and first article inspection costs.
• Experience validating routings, equipment utilization, throughput assumptions, and lead times with Production and Planning teams.

Responsibilities

• Reviews customer RFQs, engineering drawings, specifications, quantities, and contractual requirements to define project scope.
• Develops complete and accurate cost estimates and submits proposals within customer deadlines.
• Develops labor estimates for manufacturing operations including composite layup, curing, machining, finishing, inspection, and assembly.
• Calculates raw material requirements, material utilization rates, scrap factors, yields, and purchasing quantities.
• Estimates tooling, fixtures, non-recurring engineering (NRE), qualification testing, and first article inspection costs.
• Validates manufacturing routings, equipment utilization, throughput assumptions, and lead times with Production and Planning teams.
• Maintains estimating databases, historical cost records, and standardized estimating templates to improve consistency and accuracy.
• Identifies schedule, technical, quality, material availability, and commercial risks during the quotation process.
• Analyzes actual manufacturing costs and performance against estimates to improve future quoting accuracy.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Read engineering drawings

Cost estimating

Labor estimating for manufacturing

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

JOB TITLE: EstimatorLOCATION: Rancho Dominguez, CAPAY RATE: $40/hourWe are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.Job Details:Job Type: Contract (6 months with potential for extension)Industry: Aerospace / Defense / AviationBenefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplierOpenings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.Shift: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Overtime available as business needs require.Qualifying Questions:Are you a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined under ITAR regulations?Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?Summary:Reviews customer RFQs, engineering drawings, specifications, quantities, and contractual requirements to define project scope.Evaluates manufacturability and identifies risks, assumptions, missing information, or clarification needs prior to quoting.Develops complete and accurate cost estimates and submits proposals within customer deadlines.Develops labor estimates for manufacturing operations including composite layup, curing, machining, finishing, inspection, and assembly.Calculates raw material requirements, material utilization rates, scrap factors, yields, and purchasing quantities.Estimates tooling, fixtures, non-recurring engineering (NRE), qualification testing, and first article inspection costs.Validates manufacturing routings, equipment utilization, throughput assumptions, and lead times with Production and Planning teams.Maintains estimating databases, historical cost records, and standardized estimating templates to improve consistency and accuracy.Identifies schedule, technical, quality, material availability, and commercial risks during the quotation process.Analyzes actual manufacturing costs and performance against estimates to improve future quoting accuracy.Requirements:Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).2+ years of manufacturing estimating, cost analysis, pricing, or related experience.Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.Strong Microsoft Excel skills including formulas, cost models, and estimating worksheets.Experience developing labor estimates for manufacturing operations including composite layup, curing, machining, finishing, inspection, and assembly.Experience calculating raw material requirements, material utilization rates, scrap factors, yields, and purchasing quantities.Experience estimating tooling, fixtures, non-recurring engineering (NRE), qualification testing, and first article inspection costs.Experience validating manufacturing routings, equipment utilization, throughput assumptions, and lead times with Production and Planning teams.Preferred: 3+ years of aerospace manufacturing estimating experience.Preferred: Experience supporting composite, non-metallic, or advanced materials manufacturing programs.About Us:The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.Eligibility Requirements:Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defenseTake your career to new heights—apply today!#hotjobs