Estimator

Citadel Aviation; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Citadel Aviation is seeking an experienced Estimator to support cost estimates for aircraft maintenance, modification, and interior completion projects. The role requires collaboration with engineering, operations, supply chain, and finance to build competitive, accurate quotes.

The estimator will develop labor, material, overhead, and risk-based pricing, ensure alignment with margins, and maintain cost databases.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of estimating, quoting, cost analysis, or proposal preparation.
• Experience working in aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, or project-based environments.
• Strong understanding of labor costing, materials pricing, and project-based financial analysis.
• Able to read, understand, and apply customer RFQs, technical specifications, engineering drawings, and work scopes in English.
• Authorized to work in the United States and able to pass applicable pre-employment screening.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and customer quotations for aircraft maintenance, modification, refurbishment, and interior completion projects.
• Review customer requests for quotes (RFQs), technical specifications, and work scopes to determine project requirements.
• Develop pricing models that account for labor, materials, overhead, and program risk factors.
• Ensure quotes align with company cost structures, margins, and financial targets.
• Prepare formal quotation packages and supporting documentation for customer submission.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Time management

RFQ interpretation

Reading engineering drawings

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial modeling tools

ERP systems

Estimating software

Job description

About Citadel Aviation

Citadel Aviation has grown from a startup vision into a global leader in V/VVIP aircraft completions, maintenance, modifications, and luxury interiors. Located in Lake Charles, Dallas, and serving customers onsite where they're at, our teams deliver work on some of the most sophisticated narrow and wide body aircraft in the world. We have significantly expanded project volume since 2019, and that growth was built by people who take pride in doing the work right. Whatever your role, Citadel is a place to bring what you know and build what comes next.

Purpose

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and timely cost estimates and pricing proposals for aircraft maintenance, modification, and completion projects. This role develops detailed quotes that reflect labor, materials, vendor services, and project timelines, and supports business growth by ensuring proposals are competitive, technically accurate, and aligned with company financial objectives.

This position reports to the VP of Operations and works closely with engineering, operations, supply chain, sales, program management, and finance teams.

Responsibilities

Estimating & Pricing

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and customer quotations for aircraft maintenance, modification, refurbishment, and interior completion projects.
• Review customer requests for quotes (RFQs), technical specifications, and work scopes to determine project requirements.
• Develop pricing models that account for labor, materials, overhead, and program risk factors.
• Ensure quotes align with company cost structures, margins, and financial targets.
• Prepare formal quotation packages and supporting documentation for customer submission.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to identify labor hours, materials, and vendor services required.
• Coordinate with procurement teams to obtain supplier and vendor pricing.
• Participate in internal quote reviews to validate scope, cost assumptions, and schedule feasibility.
• Collaborate with sales, program management, and finance teams to ensure alignment between proposals and operational execution.

Records & Process Improvement

• Maintain and update cost databases, labor rate assumptions, and historical pricing information.
• Track quote activity and maintain records of submitted proposals and outcomes.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating processes, templates, and cost models.

Requirements

Required

• 3-5 years of experience in estimating, quoting, cost analysis, or proposal preparation.
• Experience working in aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, or project-based environments.
• Strong understanding of labor costing, materials pricing, and project-based financial analysis.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Able to read, understand, and apply customer RFQs, technical specifications, engineering drawings, and work scopes in English, and to communicate clearly with customers and internal teams to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Authorized to work in the United States and able to pass applicable pre-employment screening. (This is a non-safety-sensitive position; no DOT/FAA drug-and-alcohol testing applies.)

Preferred

• Valid FAA Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
• Experience in aircraft maintenance, MRO, or VIP aircraft completions environments.
• Familiarity with aviation technical documentation, engineering drawings, and work scopes.
• Experience using ERP systems, estimating software, or proposal management tools.
• Knowledge of contract structures, pricing strategies, and margin management.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment, with periodic walks through hangar and shop areas to review aircraft condition and work scopes; PPE and OSHA/company safety protocols required when in hangar and shop areas.
• This position is considered MEDIUM work, with frequent lifting up to 20 lbs and occasional lifting up to 50 lbs; occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and reaching; frequent standing; and constant repetitive movements of the arms and hands and seated work with back supported, including extended periods of computer use.
• Travel not typically required; may occasionally occur for customer meetings or site visits.
• May require additional hours during peak proposal cycles or major customer bids.

Knowledge, Skills, And Other Attributes

• Strong analytical and cost estimation skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy in financial calculations.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation and translate it into cost estimates.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and commercial teams.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, including managing multiple quoting requests and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial modeling tools.
• Professionalism and discretion when handling proprietary or competitive pricing information.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citadel Aviation, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.