Manufacturing Cost Estimator/Quoter

FurstStaffing; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

FurstStaffing is seeking a Cost Estimator to support precision tooling manufacturing for fastener, aerospace, and automotive customers in Loves Park, IL. You will review requirements, read drawings, and prepare accurate production times and cost estimates.

The role operates Monday–Friday, 7am–3:30pm with a focus on improving estimating accuracy and documenting assumptions across departments.

Qualifications

• Experience in cost estimating in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specs and docs.
• Knowledge of tooling, machining processes, materials and production requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Effective communication and cross-department collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates for precision tooling projects from customer specs, drawings, quotes and orders.
• Follow up on RFQs and clarify project details with sales, production and service teams.
• Review orders to determine materials, labor, machining time and production needs.
• Evaluate tooling requirements for fastener, aerospace and automotive customers.
• Maintain accurate records of estimates, programming details, revisions, and documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy, programming efficiency, and workflow.

Skills

Experience in cost estimating

Manufacturing engineering experience

Reading technical drawings

Interpreting customer specifications

Manufacturing documentation

Knowledge of precision tooling

Machining processes knowledge

Materials knowledge

Production requirements knowledge

Attention to detail

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Cross-department collaboration

Experience in fastener manufacturing

Experience in aerospace manufacturing

Experience in automotive manufacturing

Job description

Cost Estimator supports precision tooling manufacturing for fastener, aerospace, and automotive customers by reviewing requirements and preparing accurate production times and cost estimates. Works Monday-Friday, 7am-3:30pm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare cost estimates for precision tooling projects based on customer specs, drawings, quotes, and orders.

• Follow up on customer RFQs and clarify project details with sales, production, and customer service teams.

• Review orders and documentation to determine materials, labor, machining time, and production requirements.

• Evaluate tooling needs for fastener, aerospace, and automotive customers.

• Maintain accurate records of estimates, programming details, revisions, and supporting documentation.

• Identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy, programming efficiency, and workflow consistency.

Qualifications:

• Experience in cost estimating, manufacturing engineering, or a related precision manufacturing role.

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, customer specifications, and manufacturing documentation.

• Knowledge of precision tooling, machining processes, materials, and production requirements.

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to prepare accurate estimates and documentation.

• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting fastener, aerospace, or automotive manufacturing environments.