Machine Shop Estimator III - Plastics

Randstad USA; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad USA is seeking a Senior Estimator III in the San Jose area to build detailed cost structures for high-mix prototyping and complex production runs. You will partner with engineering leadership and mentor junior estimators to improve quoting performance and commercial outcomes.

Responsibilities include advanced cost modeling for multi-axis CNC machining, plastics bonding and forming, and collaboration with design teams for DFMs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of technical estimating experience in plastics manufacturing, polymer fabrication, or precision CNC machining.
• Deep understanding of polymer behavior during machining, feeds/speeds, workholding, bonding/polishing, and GD&T.
• Advanced ability to read CAD models/3D prints and use cost-modeling tools/ERP systems.
• High School Diploma or GED; an Associate/Bachelor’s preferred in mechanical engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop precise cost frameworks for high-complexity plastic components and multi-axis CNC machining.
• Calculate material scrap rates, yields, and cycle times for engineered plastics and bonding/forming processes.
• Collaborate with engineering and CNC teams to review DFMs and suggest cost-saving modifications.
• Maintain labor operations, machine hour rates, and quote analytics in ERP to refine pricing.
• Serve as primary technical interface for RFQs, explaining cost drivers and lead times to clients.
• Review estimates from Level I/II estimators for accuracy and help standardize templates across the department.

Skills

CNC

Estimating

Plastics

Cost Modeling

Plastics Machining

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering/Manufacturing Technology

Tools

CAD/CAM software

ERP cost-modeling software

Job description

Randstad is recruiting a Senior Estimator III on behalf of an established, cutting-edge precision manufacturing client. This role is tailored for an expert cost analyst specializing in complex plastic machining, bonding, forming, and multi-axis CNC fabrication.

As a Senior Estimator, you will build detailed cost structures for high-mix/low-volume prototyping and complex production runs, partner directly with engineering leadership, and mentor junior estimating staff to drive overall quoting performance and commercial success.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Industry Experience: 5 to 10+ years of technical estimating experience in plastics manufacturing, specialized polymer fabrication, or precision CNC machining.
• Plastics & Machining Expertise: Deep understanding of polymer behavior during machining, feeds/speeds, custom workholding, plastic bonding/polishing, and GD&T applications.
• CAD/CAM & Software Proficiency: Advanced capability in reading complex CAD models/3D prints and operating spreadsheet/ERP cost-modeling software.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED required; an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Soft Skills: High-level analytical reasoning, clear commercial communication, organizational drive under tight deadlines, and a commitment to team mentorship. ZPMLSTCM

salary: $66,560 - $104,000 per year

shift: First

work hours: 8 AM - 4:30 PM

education: High School

Responsibilities

• Advanced Cost Modeling: Develop precise cost frameworks for high-complexity plastic components, multi-axis CNC machining (2 through 5-axis), custom tooling, secondary treatments (coatings, plating, heat treating), and specialized assembly/inspection.
• Plastics Expertise: Calculate material scrap rates, yield factors, and specialized cycle times tailored specifically to engineered plastics, bonding, forming, and optical/polishing processes.
• Technical & Design Support: Partner with engineering and CNC programming teams to review design for manufacturability (DFM) and suggest cost-saving modifications to clients.
• ERP Database Management: Maintain standard labor operations, machine hour rates, and historic quote analytics within the ERP system to continuously refine pricing accuracy.
• Client Engagement: Serve as the primary technical interface for high-value customer RFQs, walking clients through cost drivers, lead-time expectations, and technical feasibility.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Review estimates generated by Level I and II Estimators for accuracy, commercial viability, and adherence to company standards while establishing standardized quoting templates across the department.

Skills

• CNC
• Estimating
• Plastics
• Cost Modeling
• Plastics Machining

Qualifications

• Years of experience: 5 years
• Experience level: Experienced

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact [e-mail].

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.

Qualified applicants in San Francisco with criminal histories will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.