Manufacturing Process Planner Estimator

Astrion; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion seeks a Manufacturing Process Planner Estimator in Huntsville, AL, for NASA MSFC METTS III contract. The role involves planning, documenting, and optimizing manufacturing processes, with emphasis on cost estimates and complex assemblies.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years of machine shop experience, blueprint reading expertise, and strong fabrication knowledge. On-site work at Redstone Arsenal requires medical screenings and clearance readiness.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of machine shop experience required.
• Formal training in machine shop practices and basic computer skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of blueprint reading, machining processes, and fabrication methods.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and document manufacturing processes for support and customer organizations.
• Develop detailed process plans, estimates, pricing, and schedules for complex, non-routine parts and equipment.
• Interpret and translate work orders, engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, specifications, and sample parts with missing dimensions or tolerances.
• Plan operation sequences with original setups, tooling, and machining techniques.
• Estimate manpower, materials, tooling, and machine requirements based on shop capabilities.
• Outline machining processes involving unusual angles and complex geometries.
• Apply advanced shop math to compute angles, indexing, hole patterns, etc.
• Collaborate with designers, engineers, and manufacturing during work order development.
• Recommend methods to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and improve dimensional accuracy.
• Perform fabrication or assembly labor when needed to support production activities.

Skills

Machine shop experience

Blueprint reading

Fabrication methods knowledge

Technical documentation

Education

Vocational/technical training

Job description

Overview

Manufacturing Process Planner Estimator

Location: Huntsville, AL (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center - Redstone Arsenal)

Contract: METTS III

U.S. Citizenship required

Public Trust clearance required

Astrion is seeking a highly skilled Manufacturing Process Planner Estimator to support the Marshall Engineering Technicians and Trades Support (METTS) III contract at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) located on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

The METTS III contract provides comprehensive engineering technician and trade support services, along with professional and management oversight of technical staff in direct support of NASA programs and missions.

This position requires a high level of technical expertise, ingenuity, and independent judgment. Assignments frequently involve non-routine, complex, or first-of-a-kind tasks, including the development of manufacturing plans, cost estimates, and process documentation for prototype and production hardware.

Required Qualifications / Skills

• Formal training in machine shop practices and basic computer skills acquired through vocational, technical, or military service school training
• Minimum of 10 years of machine shop experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of blueprint reading, machining processes, and fabrication methods

Work Environment

• Environmentally controlled shop (heated and cooled)
• Exposure to machinery noise
• Laboratory, test environments, test stands, and possible confined spaces
• Occasional outdoor work may be required

Travel Requirements (%)

up to 10%

Physical Requirements

• Ability to bend, stoop, and lift occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods as required by job tasks

Medical Requirements

All positions supporting the METTS III contract are contingent upon successful completion of NASA medical screenings at the start of employment and annually thereafter. Screening requirements are determined based on the Safety, Health, and Environmental Job Assessment Questionnaire.

Other Essential Functions

• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams

Responsibilities

The Manufacturing Process Planner Estimator works with minimal supervision and reports to a Manager. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Plan, coordinate, and document manufacturing processes for support and customer organizations
• Develop detailed process plans, estimates, pricing, and schedules for complex, non-routine parts and equipment
• Interpret and translate work orders, engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, specifications, and sample parts that may lack complete dimensions, tolerances, or fit and finish details
• Plan sequences of operations requiring original or innovative setups, attachments, tooling, and machining techniques
• Estimate manpower, materials, tooling, and machine requirements based on current shop capabilities
• Outline machining processes involving unusual or compound angles and complex geometries
• Apply advanced shop mathematics, including geometric and trigonometric formulas, to compute compound angles, angular indexing, hole patterns, pitch lead, and pitch diameters
• Collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and manufacturing personnel during work order development and process preparation
• Recommend and implement methods and procedures that improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance dimensional accuracy, and optimize machine time
• Perform fabrication or assembly labor when required to support production activities