ESTIMATOR

Advex Corporation; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) match

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Employee referral bonus

Job summary

Advex Corporation in Hampton, VA is seeking a Machine Shop Estimator to lead estimating for machine shop work scopes. The role develops initial estimates for materials and tooling, determines labor hours, and establishes lead times.

You will interpret drawings, apply machining knowledge, and collaborate with suppliers to produce practical estimates. The position requires extensive experience with CNC processes and procurement, and it offers a full-time regular schedule in a manufacturing

Qualifications

• At least 15 years combined experience in operating, planning, and estimating machining work.
• Knowledge of three-axis, four-axis, and five-axis CNC machining operations.
• Ability to read and interpret complex machining drawings.
• Experience with suppliers and obtaining quotations for raw materials and tooling.
• US citizenship required for access to controlled technical information.

Responsibilities

• Extract information from customer drawings to determine materials and tooling requirements.
• Select appropriate work centers based on machining methods and process knowledge.
• Develop the initial planning router for execution of the work.
• Obtain quotations from suppliers for materials and tooling.
• Maintain visibility into shop capabilities and adjust estimates for lead times.
• Prepare clear, defensible estimates for labor, materials, tooling, and scheduling.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Independent work

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

ESTIMATOR

Full Time Regular Clerical Hampton, VA, US

Salary Range: $35.00 To $40.00 Hourly

Estimator Location: 41 Research Dr. Hampton, VA 23666
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: (4) 10-hour work schedule, Monday – Thursday, 1st Shift6:00am - 4:30pm

Job Description:

The Machine Shop Estimator leads estimating for machine shop work scopes. This role develops initial estimates for materials and tooling, determines the labor hours and work centers required to complete the work, and establishes expected lead times. The estimator combines drawing interpretation, machining knowledge, supplier input, and current shop capabilities to produce practical, supportable estimates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Extract technical information from customer drawings to determine required materials and tooling.
• Apply machining methods and process knowledge to select the appropriate work centers.
• Develop the initial planning router for execution of the work.
• Obtain material and subcontract quotations from suppliers.
• Maintain visibility into shop capabilities and operational challenges and account for them in estimated lead times.
• Prepare clear, defensible estimates for labor, materials, tooling, work center use, and schedule.

Qualifications & Skills

Required Qualifications:

• At least 15 years of combined experience operating, planning, and estimating machining work.
• Knowledge of three-axis, four-axis, and five-axis CNC machining operations.
• Ability to read and interpret complex machining drawings.
• Experience working with suppliers and obtaining quotations for raw materials and tooling.
• U.S. citizenship is required for access to controlled technical information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least five years of experience estimating machining work.
• At least five years supervising estimating activities, negotiating pricing with sub-tier suppliers, or performing related procurement work.
• Experience operating or planning five-axis CNC machines.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to enforce compliance while maintaining professional working relationships
• High attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Employment Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required security clearances as applicable
• Successful completion of pre‑employment screening requirements

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work first shift, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Expected overtime is less than 10 percent; travel is not required.

This position operates within a manufacturing environment that may include exposure to noise, machinery, and varying temperatures. The role requires adherence to strict safety protocols and use of appropriate PPE at all times.

ADVEX offers medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k) match; paid vacation and holidays; tuition reimbursement; an employee assistance program; and an employee referral bonus, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Why Advex Corporation

At Advex, every employee plays an integral role in manufacturing mission critical products in support of the defense industry and its suppliers. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional quality while fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive work environment.

Every day we strive to not only meet, but exceed, customer expectations through exceptional craftsmanship and service. We take pride in the quality of our work, reliability, and commitment to exceeding customer expectations. As a critical supplier for the Defense Industrial Base, we are seeking talented individuals to become part of our team and live these values. If you are looking for a stable environment that will value your knowledge and challenge your capabilities, Advex has a position for you. We offer competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and a collaborative company culture that values innovation, teamwork, and professional growth.

At Advex, it's more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that makes an impact.

About Advex Corporation

Advex Corporation, based in Hampton, Virginia, is one of the premier metal fabrication companies on the East Coast. We specialize in machining, fabrication, and welding components for aircraft carriers, submarines, and other marine applications. Founded in 1969, Advex Corporation has built a legacy of excellence in manufacturing for the defense industry. Our commitment to quality, precision, and teamwork has made us a trusted partner in the defense industry for over 50 years.

The Advex customer base includes manufacturing for HII-NNS, General Dynamics Electric Boat, BAE Systems, NASA and direct-to-Government Department of Defense (DoD) facilities.

Advex divisions include Machining, Light Fabrication, Heavy Fabrication, Marine & Industrial, and Non‑destructive Testing (NDT). Specialties include Weldment Manufacture with Precision Machining, Precision Welding and Fabrication, Heavy Manufacturing to Thirty Tons, Light Metal (Sheet Metal) Manufacturing, and Non‑destructive Testing (NDT) utilizing these methods - Visual Testing (VT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT) available on‑site and off‑site.