Estimator - Machining

Gilder Search Group; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group seeks an Estimator/NC Programmer to own the front-end quoting process and establish fast, accurate job estimates grounded in shop capabilities. The role also serves as a secondary programmer to maintain uninterrupted flow.

You will read complex drawings, estimate costs, and collaborate with sales to protect margins while supporting NC programming with MasterCAM and SolidWorks. On-site Akron, OH location.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience estimating machining, tooling, or component repair work in a precision metalworking environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and GD&T specifications.
• Familiarity with CAM/CAD software for NC programming and verification.

Responsibilities

• Own intake, queue management, and on-time turnaround of quotes.
• Develop detailed cost, material, and lead-time estimates from drawings and GD&T.
• Source external material costs and vendor process pricing for accurate estimates.
• Collaborate with sales on pricing to protect margins.
• Serve as secondary NC programmer to write and verify CNC programs using MasterCAM & SolidWorks.
• Work with setup personnel on first-article proveouts and cycle-time verifications.
• Maintain standard cycle-time, labor, and cost data to minimize variance.
• Document estimating logic and job workflows.

Skills

Estimating machining

Reading drawings

Communication

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate or Bachelor degree in technical or business field

Tools

MasterCAM

SolidWorks

Job description

Estimator

Shift: First Shift, On-site

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000 per year

Who we are

A leading regional precision machining manufacturer specializing in engineered components, bearings, and wear parts for rotational and reciprocating industrial equipment. Operating within a growing industrial manufacturing platform, our company serves critical sectors including energy, chemical processing, and heavy equipment markets.

Estimator / NC Programmer Role

This role exists to own the front-end quoting process by establishing fast, accurate, and repeatable job estimates grounded in actual shop capabilities. Additionally, it provides vital operational depth by serving as a secondary programmer to maintain uninterrupted shop flow.

Estimator / NC Programmer Responsibilities

• Own the intake, queue management, and timely turnaround of customer requests for quotes
• Develop detailed cost, material, and lead-time estimates from engineering drawings and GD&T specifications
• Source and confirm external material costs and vendor process pricing to support accurate job estimations
• Collaborate with sales teams on pricing strategies to protect shop profit margins
• Serve as a secondary NC programmer to write, edit, and prove out CNC programs using MasterCAM & SolidWorks software
• Partner with machine setup personnel and machinists on first-article proveouts and cycle-time verifications
• Maintain standard cycle-time, labor, and cost data to minimize estimate-to-actual variance over time
• Document estimating logic, programming standard operating procedures, and job workflows

Estimator / NC Programmer Reporting Relationships

This position reports directly to the Operations Manager and has no direct reports.

About You

• Possess hands-on experience estimating machining, tooling, or component repair work in a precision metalworking environment
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, tolerances, and GD&T specifications
• Demonstrate working knowledge of multi-axis CNC mills, lathes, machining centers, EDM, and grinding operations
• Utilize CAM/CAD software programs and verification tools to support NC programming and model geometric support
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks under tight turnaround deadlines
• Communicate effectively across sales, engineering, shop floor machinists, and leadership teams
• Show familiarity with quality standards and documentation requirements within industrial manufacturing
• Hold an Associate or Bachelor degree in a technical or business field, or equivalent hands-on shop floor experience

Next Steps

If detail-oriented and deadline-driven describes you, we would like to hear from you.

Additional Information

This position is located on-site in Akron, OH. Work combines desk-based estimating and programming tasks with regular time spent on the production floor to confirm methods and tooling. Physical demands include walking, standing, and exposure to machinery, noise, coolants, and lubricants, requiring the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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