Estimator

Talentify; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter in Wichita, KS seeks an experienced Estimator to analyze requirements, blueprints, and project plans to develop accurate cost, material, and labor estimates for aviation-related manufacturing projects.

You will manage a high volume of RFQs, collaborate with vendors and contractors, and present detailed cost analyses to leadership. This full-time role offers benefits in a dynamic production environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of planning and estimating experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally including aviation-related projects.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Experience using CAD/CAM systems to support estimating activities.
• Advanced computer competency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with ERP systems in a manufacturing or production setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals inside and outside the organization.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a high-volume RFQ environment.
• Good judgment, problem-solving, and analytical abilities to develop accurate and competitive cost and labor estimates.
• Ability to comply with organizational instructions, procedures, standards, and policies while exercising professional discretion.
• Demonstrated professionalism and the ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive cost and pricing data.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Analyze requirement documents, blueprints, and project plans to understand each project.
• Determine factors of production that influence cost, including materials, labor, and external services.
• Prepare detailed material and cost estimates for products and services in a manufacturing environment.
• Create comprehensive labor estimates for projects, including aviation-related work.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and contractors to support pricing and quotations.
• Manage and organize bids from vendors to ensure information is complete and up to date.
• Use bid data and RFQ information to prepare detailed cost analyses for pricing decisions.
• Handle a high volume of RFQs (~30+ per week) with quality and accuracy.
• Present estimates and analyses to management clearly and professionally.
• Communicate with internal teams and external partners to gather and share information for estimating.
• Comply with internal instructions, procedures, standards, and policies, exercising professional discretion.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.

Skills

Blueprint reading

GD&T

ERP experience

CAD/CAM

MS Office

Communication

Time management

Analytical thinking

Cost estimation

Confidentiality

Aviation RFQs

Vendor relations

Tools

CAD/CAM systems

ERP systems

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Job Title: Estimator

Job Description

The Estimator plays a key role in analyzing requirements, blueprints, and project plans to develop accurate cost, material, and labor estimates for manufacturing projects, with a strong focus on aviation-related work. This position manages a high volume of requests for quotation (RFQs), collaborates closely with vendors and contractors, and presents well-supported cost analyses to leadership. The role offers opportunities for growth and includes full-time benefits within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze requirement documents, blueprints, and project plans to gain a thorough understanding of each project.
• Determine the factors of production that influence the cost of a service or product, including materials, labor, and external services.
• Prepare detailed material estimates and cost estimates for products and services in a manufacturing environment.
• Create comprehensive labor estimates for projects, including aviation-related work, ensuring accuracy and competitiveness.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with company vendors and contractors to support accurate pricing and timely quotations.
• Manage and organize bids from vendors and contractors, ensuring all information is complete and up to date.
• Use bid data and RFQ information to prepare detailed cost analyses that support pricing decisions and project feasibility.
• Handle a high volume of RFQs, managing approximately 30 or more requests for quotation per week while maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Present prepared estimates and cost analyses to management in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external partners to obtain and share information needed for accurate estimating.
• Comply with internal instructions, procedures, standards, and policies, exercising professional discretion in all estimating activities.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers by responding promptly and professionally to estimate-related inquiries.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in handling sensitive cost and pricing information.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the estimating function and overall work unit.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of planning and estimating experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally including aviation-related projects.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings.
• Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Experience using CAD/CAM systems to support estimating activities.
• Advanced computer competency with the ability to effectively use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with ERP systems in a manufacturing or production setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals inside and outside the organization.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and effectively meet deadlines in a high-volume RFQ environment.
• Good judgment, problem-solving, and analytical abilities to develop accurate and competitive cost and labor estimates.
• Ability to comply with organizational instructions, procedures, standards, and policies while exercising professional discretion.
• Demonstrated professionalism and the ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive cost and pricing data.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with manufacturing planning processes and estimating best practices.
• Understanding of labor cost drivers and how they impact overall project costs.
• Knowledge of organizational mission, purpose, and goals, and how the estimating function supports their achievement.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with vendors, contractors, and internal teams.
• Comfort working with aviation-related RFQs and industry-specific requirements.
• Interest in professional growth within a role that offers long-term development opportunities and full-time benefits.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in a manufacturing facility located in the downtown Wichita area. The role operates in a hands‑on production environment where collaboration with engineering, planning, and operations teams is common. You will work extensively with ERP systems, CAD/CAM tools, and standard office software to manage RFQs and develop estimates. The environment supports professional growth and offers full‑time employment with benefits, with day‑to‑day work centered around active manufacturing operations and aviation‑related projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Wichita, KS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $85000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

401k, health/vision/dental. PTO/sick and holiday pay.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world‑class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry‑leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.