Manufacturing Estimator & Proposal Lead

Canopy Aerospace & Defense; Ontario (CA); On-site; CAD 104,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Hera Technologies is seeking a Manufacturing Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates and quotations for aerospace, defense, and space programs. You will analyze customer requirements, drawings, and specifications to determine labor, material, and processing needs, coordinating with PM, Engineering, Manufacturing, QA, and Supply Chain.

The role requires strong technical knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple quotes in a

Qualifications

• 6+ years of machine shop estimating and quoting experience for aerospace or precision parts.
• Experience estimating CNC milling and turning operations.
• Knowledge of tooling, machining processes, and production planning.
• Experience with low-to-medium volume job shop manufacturing.
• Experience using ERP systems related to manufacturing planning and quoting.
• Strong GD&T understanding.
• Ability to communicate in written and verbal English with customers and internal teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read and analyze engineering drawings, specifications, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation.

Responsibilities

• Review customer RFQs, drawings, specifications, blueprints, and related documentation to determine scope of work and requirements.
• Develop manufacturing plans by identifying required processes, equipment, tooling, programming requirements, setup operations, materials, labor hours, and outside processing needs.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and quotations based on established labor rates, overhead rates, material costs, and supplier pricing.
• Evaluate manufacturing requirements for CNC machining, fabrication, composites, and other aerospace manufacturing processes.
• Identify and obtain pricing from approved outside processing suppliers based on customer and drawing requirements.
• Interpret technical specifications, quality clauses, material requirements, and customer requirements to identify potential risks and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to understand production capabilities and develop effective manufacturing approaches.
• Prepare formal price and delivery quotations for internal and external customers.
• Communicate with customers, suppliers, and internal teams regarding quotations, requirements, and project updates.
• Follow up on open RFQs and proposals, updating quotations as needed.
• Maintain accurate RFQ and proposal tracking records to support reporting and KPIs.
• Support the development and maintenance of work instructions for new and existing programs.
• Perform risk assessments and identify potential cost, schedule, and manufacturing challenges.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and estimating process improvements.
• Follow 5S standards and adhere to all health, safety, and environmental guidelines.
• Support cross-functional operations as needed.

Skills

Estimating "quoting"

Reading drawings & specifications

CNC machining knowledge

English communication

Analytical skills

Project coordination

Tools

ERP systems (JobBoss)

CNC programming (preferred)

Job description

From Engine Bay to Payload, we protect vital structures and systems. Hera Technologies is a premier contract manufacturer specializing in high-precision metallic and non-metallic solutions for the Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has positioned us as an industry leader in the design, manufacturing and maintenance of thermal support systems. Our team is driven by excellence, integrity, and a passion for advancing aerospace technology.

Take the next step in your career with a company committed to excellence, where your contributions are recognized, and your potential is realized.

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates and quotations for aerospace, defense, space, and commercial manufacturing programs. This role will analyze customer requirements, technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and related information to determine labor, material, processing, and manufacturing requirements. The Manufacturing Estimator will work closely with Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to develop competitive quotes while ensuring alignment with customer expectations, production capabilities, and company objectives. This position requires strong technical knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple quoting activities in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Review customer RFQs, drawings, specifications, blueprints, and related documentation to determine scope of work and requirements
• Develop manufacturing plans by identifying required processes, equipment, tooling, programming requirements, setup operations, materials, labor hours, and outside processing needs
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and quotations based on established labor rates, overhead rates, material costs, and supplier pricing
• Evaluate manufacturing requirements for CNC machining, fabrication, composites, and other aerospace manufacturing processes
• Identify and obtain pricing from approved outside processing suppliers based on customer and drawing requirements
• Interpret technical specifications, quality clauses, material requirements, and customer requirements to identify potential risks and ensure compliance
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to understand production capabilities and develop effective manufacturing approaches
• Prepare formal price and delivery quotations for internal and external customers
• Communicate with customers, suppliers, and internal teams regarding quotations, requirements, and project updates
• Follow up on open RFQs and proposals, updating quotations as needed
• Maintain accurate RFQ and proposal tracking records to support reporting and key performance indicators
• Support the development and maintenance of work instructions for new and existing programs
• Perform risk assessments and identify potential cost, schedule, and manufacturing challenges
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with customers and suppliers
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and estimating process improvements
• Follow 5S standards and adhere to all health, safety, and environmental guidelines
• Support cross-functional operations as needed

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of machine shop estimating and quoting experience for medium to high complexity aerospace or precision manufacturing parts
• Experience estimating and quoting CNC machining operations, including CNC milling and turning processes
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and analyze engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and manufacturing documentation
• Knowledge of tooling requirements, machining processes, and production planning methods
• Experience estimating and quoting within a low-to-medium volume job shop manufacturing environment
• Experience using ERP systems related to manufacturing planning and quoting activities
• Strong understanding of machining various materials including metallics, plastics, composites, honeycomb core, and ablative materials
• Strong understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and technical drawing interpretation
• Ability to identify manufacturing requirements, develop solutions, and resolve technical challenges
• Ability to understand inspection methods, measurement tools, and quality requirements
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal English with customers, suppliers, and internal teams
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while supporting team objectives
• Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with JobBoss or similar manufacturing ERP systems
• CNC programming experience
• Aerospace manufacturing estimating experience
• Experience working in an AS9100 certified manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of aerospace quality requirements and customer flow-down requirements

Experience with composites, thermal protection systems, or advanced manufacturing materials.

Additional Requirements

• Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English
• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, industrial equipment, and temperature variations
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstation
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry, keyboarding, and mouse use
• Ability to view computer screens for prolonged periods
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via email
• Abilityto use a computer to complete assignments

Job Details

Type: Full Time Exempt

Hours: Core Business Hours 0 Monday through Friday

Schedule and overtime may vary based on business needs

Base Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000

Base Location: Ontario, CA - 100% onsite

Travel: Occasional travel may be required based on business needs.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K company match (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.

EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.