Project Estimator – Manufacturing Engineer

MBC Talent Connections; Elmwood Park (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Manufacturing Engineer Estimator position in Elmwood Park, IL, with a salary range of $80,000–$120,000 per year based on experience. The role focuses on reviewing drawings, developing manufacturing plans, and producing accurate cost estimates for custom machined components.

The ideal candidate balances technical machining knowledge with cost-effective production methods and collaborates with engineering and production to improve quoting accuracy.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing engineering or precision machine shop estimating.
• Ability to read blueprints and GD&T.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software and ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review blueprints and drawings to determine manufacturing methods.
• Develop routings and process plans for CNC milling, turning, grinding, and inspection.
• Estimate setup times, cycle times, labor, material, tooling, and costs.
• Evaluate outside processing like heat treating and coatings.
• Identify risks from tolerances, GD&T, and materials.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to ensure accurate estimates.
• Support continuous improvements in estimating accuracy and quoting.

Skills

CNC machining

Reading blueprints & GD&T

CAD/CAM software

ERP/MRP systems

Analytical & communication skills

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Mastercam

ProShop

JobBOSS

Job description

Manufacturing Engineer Estimator

Location: Elmwood Park, Chicago
Salary: $80,000–$120,000 per year (based on experience)

Position Summary

Seeking a Manufacturing Engineer Estimator with experience in precision machining and manufacturing processes. This role is responsible for reviewing engineering drawings, developing manufacturing plans, and preparing accurate cost estimates for custom machined components. The ideal candidate has a strong machine shop background and can balance technical requirements with cost-effective production methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Review blueprints, CAD models, and engineering drawings to determine manufacturing methods.
• Develop manufacturing routings and process plans for CNC milling, turning, grinding, and inspection.
• Estimate setup times, machining cycle times, labor, material, tooling, and production costs.
• Evaluate outside processing requirements, including heat treating, plating, and specialty coatings.
• Identify manufacturing risks such as tight tolerances, complex GD&T, challenging materials, and tooling requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure accurate and practical estimates.
• Support continuous improvements in estimating accuracy, manufacturability, and quoting efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing engineering, estimating, or a precision machine shop environment.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining, machine setup, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T.
• Experience estimating machining cycle times, tooling, feeds, and speeds.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software, including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Mastercam.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems such as ProShop, JobBOSS, or similar.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Experience

• Estimating custom, short-run, or precision-machined components.
• CNC programming or manufacturing process development.
• Job costing, routing development, and machine shop quoting practices.

What You\'ll Bring

• Consistently accurate and timely manufacturing estimates.
• Strong understanding of production costs and machining processes.
• Ability to identify manufacturing risks before production.
• Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams to support successful project execution.

Apply

If you have a strong machine shop background and enjoy developing accurate manufacturing estimates for precision-machined parts, we encourage you to apply.