Estimator (Materials Planner)

Precision Castparts; Paramount (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Precision Castparts is seeking a Cost Estimator in Paramount, CA to develop accurate manufacturing cost estimates and pricing proposals for RFQs, new business opportunities, and production planning. You will analyze engineering drawings, labor requirements, material costs, and manufacturing processes to determine product costs and support pricing decisions.

The role collaborates with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Sales to ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years cost estimating or related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with engineering drawings, specifications, labor standards, and material costing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel

Responsibilities

• Receive, review, and process RFQs and cost estimate requests.
• Analyze drawings, BOMs, routings, and technical documentation to develop cost estimates.
• Calculate material, labor, tooling, overhead costs to manufacture products.
• Develop pricing models using historical production data, market conditions, and cost estimating tools.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Procurement, and Finance to validate labor standards, material costs, and manufacturing assumptions.
• Present cost and pricing recommendations to management and support quote review meetings.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cost estimation

Drawing interpretation

Labor costing

Excel proficiency

ERP systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Pricing analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree in engineering

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Cost Estimator develops accurate manufacturing cost estimates and pricing proposals in support of customer requests for quotation (RFQs), new business opportunities, and production planning activities. This position analyzes engineering drawings, specifications, labor requirements, material costs, and manufacturing processes to determine product costs and support strategic pricing decisions. The Cost Estimator collaborates with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Sales to ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with business objectives.

Position Summary

The Cost Estimator develops accurate manufacturing cost estimates and pricing proposals in support of customer requests for quotation (RFQs), new business opportunities, and production planning activities. This position analyzes engineering drawings, specifications, labor requirements, material costs, and manufacturing processes to determine product costs and support strategic pricing decisions. The Cost Estimator collaborates with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Sales to ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with business objectives.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

In performing functions, duties, or tasks, employees are required to follow safe work practices and Company policies and procedures. All duties are to be carried out in an honest, ethical, and professional manner.

• Receive, review, and process customer RFQs and cost estimate requests.
• Analyze engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, routing requirements, and technical documentation to develop cost estimates.
• Calculate material, labor, tooling, outside processing, subcontracting, and overhead costs required to manufacture products.
• Develop and maintain pricing models utilizing historical production data, market conditions, and cost estimating tools.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Procurement, and Finance to validate labor standards, material costs, and manufacturing assumptions.
• Assess the cost effectiveness of products, projects, and services by comparing estimated costs with actual performance results.
• Prepare cost analyses, quote packages, expenditure reports, and supporting documentation for management review.
• Review make-versus-buy opportunities and provide recommendations to improve cost competitiveness.
• Support vendor and subcontractor evaluations by developing cost comparisons and estimate analyses.
• Participate in cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Maintain estimating databases, cost models, and supporting documentation.
• Present cost and pricing recommendations to management and support quote review meetings.
• Monitor market trends, material pricing, and manufacturing costs to support strategic pricing decisions.
• Coordinate with internal departments regarding estimate revisions and customer requirements.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent mathematical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel; advanced spreadsheet and data analysis skills preferred.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems.
• Ability to evaluate manufacturing processes and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to evaluate alternative solutions and make sound business recommendations.
• Strong presentation and reporting skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines

Required

Experience & Education

• Highschool diploma or GED required
• Minimum of 3-5 years of cost estimating, manufacturing analysis, quoting, pricing, industrial engineering, or related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience preparing cost estimates using engineering drawings, specifications, labor standards, and material costing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Preferred

• Associate’s degree in engineering, Industrial Technology, Business, Finance, Mathematics, or related field; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Aerospace or forging industry experience.
• Experience with Oracle or other ERP systems.Knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, and cost accounting principles.
• Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to airborne particles and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Precision Castparts Corp. is an equal opportunity employer commit ted to recruit, hire, train and promote in all job categories without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or other status protected by applicable law.