Estimator

Votaw Precision Technologies; Santa Fe Springs (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Votaw Precision Technologies, LLC, a leading aerospace/defense contract manufacturer, seeks an Estimator to forecast labor hours and resources for fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly of complex components.

The role requires 10+ years in aerospace, strong GD&T and CNC knowledge, experience with large components, and proficiency in ERP/MRP and estimating software. This on-site, 40-hour week position offers growth and collaboration with engineering, production, and purchasing teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry, with a focus on build-to-print, custom fabrications, and large components.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex 2D and 3D drawings, including GD&T.
• Strong CNC machining knowledge and programming fundamentals; direct CNC machinist/programmer experience is desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of aerospace materials (aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, Inconel) and their machinability.
• Experience estimating labor hours for complex machined parts and assemblies.
• Familiarity with moving/rigging large components requiring cranes and forklifts.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and able to develop standardized estimating procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to convey technical info to diverse audiences.
• Proficient with MS Office and ERP/MRP systems; estimating software is a plus.
• Ability to work on-site five days a week.

Responsibilities

• Analyze 2D/3D drawings, specifications, SOWs to determine labor requirements for fabrication, machining, assembly, finishing.
• Develop detailed labor estimates for one-off and low-rate production projects.
• Factor in logistics for handling large components, including crane and forklift operations.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, quality, and purchasing to refine scope and costs.
• Use CNC knowledge to compute informed labor hour calculations.
• Assess time for welding, fabrication, surface finishing, and assembly of complex structures.
• Prepare clear estimating reports and summaries for management and stakeholders.
• Support pre-production meetings with inputs on methods and labor considerations.
• Compare estimated vs actual labor post-production to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement in estimating and quoting processes.

Skills

A&D manufacturing

GD&T interpretation

CNC machining knowledge

Estimating labor hours

ERP/MRP familiarity

MS Office proficiency

On-site availability

Strong communication

Rigging/ crane handling

Material knowledge (aerospace)

Education

10+ years aerospace/defense experience

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Estimating software

Job description

Votaw Precision Technologies is a trusted leader in the manufacturing of complex precision components, assemblies, and systems for the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. With a strong reputation for technical excellence, quality craftsmanship, and on-time delivery, Votaw supports some of the world’s most demanding programs through its advanced manufacturing capabilities. The company specializes in precision machining, fabrication, welding, and complex assembly operations for mission-critical applications. Votaw Precision Technologies is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering best-in-class solutions to its customers.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Estimator to join our team. The Estimator will play a crucial role in the success of our projects by accurately forecasting labor hours and resources required for the fabrication and assembly of complex, large-scale aerospace and defense components. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in CNC machining and programming, a thorough understanding of aerospace materials, proficiency in interpreting technical drawings, and a keen eye for detail. This role requires a process-oriented individual with excellent communication skills and a desire to contribute to a growing company. Previous estimating experience in a similar job shop environment is a significant asset.

Essential Functions

• Analyze 2D and 3D engineering drawings, specifications, statements of work (SOW), and other documentation to accurately determine labor requirements for fabrication, machining, assembly, and finishing processes.
• Develop detailed labor estimates for one-off and low-rate production projects, considering factors such as material type, complexity of operations, machining time, setup time, assembly sequences, and required quality inspections.
• Factor in the logistical requirements for handling, moving, and positioning large-scale components, including crane and forklift operations, within the labor estimates.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, production, quality, and purchasing teams to clarify project scope, identify potential manufacturing challenges, and optimize cost-effectiveness.
• Utilize knowledge of CNC machining processes (milling, turning, etc.) and programming principles to generate informed labor hour calculations.
• Assess the time required for various manufacturing operations, including welding, fabrication, surface finishing, and assembly of complex structures.
• Prepare and present clear and concise estimating reports and summaries to management and other stakeholders.
• Participate in pre-production meetings to provide input on manufacturing methods and labor considerations.
• Support post-production analysis by comparing estimated labor to actual labor to identify areas for improvement in estimating accuracy and production efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in estimating and quoting processes.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and occasionally with customers to clarify requirements.

Qualifications and Skills

Formal Education & Certification

• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry, with a strong preference for experience in a job shop environment focused on build-to-print, custom fabrications, and large components.

Knowledge & Experience

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex 2D and 3D engineering drawings and specifications, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Solid understanding of CNC machining processes and programming fundamentals. Direct experience as a CNC machinist or programmer is highly desirable.
• Comprehensive knowledge of various materials used in the aerospace and defense industry, including (but not limited to) aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, stainless steels, Inconel, and other exotic alloys, and their machinability characteristics.
• Experience in estimating labor hours for complex machined parts and fabricated assemblies is a definite advantage.
• Familiarity with the challenges and time requirements associated with manufacturing, moving, and assembling large-scale components requiring cranes, forklifts, and specialized rigging.
• Proven ability to break down complex projects into manageable tasks for accurate labor estimation.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Process-oriented mindset with the ability to develop and follow standardized estimating procedures.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences, including engineers, shop floor personnel, and management.
• Ability to work effectively with many different personality types in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook). Experience with ERP/MRP systems and estimating software is a plus.
• A strong drive to learn and grow with the company, demonstrating initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work on-site 5 days a week.
• Understanding of GD&T, tolerancing, and inspection requirements.
• Understanding of aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100) is beneficial.

Personal Attributes

• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work with limited supervision including using sound judgment to execute independent decisions and departmental initiatives.
• Adept at reading, writing, and interpreting technical documentation and procedure manuals.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Skilled at working within a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Ability to learn new technologies and adapt to change.

Work Conditions

• 40-hour onsite work week with on-call availability
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and to handle other computer components.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Votaw Precision Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets.