PCB Estimator

Sanmina; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 71,500; Full time

Job summary

Sanmina is seeking a detail-oriented PCB Estimator to lead RFQ analyses and provide accurate cost estimates. You will bridge Customer Service, Sales, and manufacturing to ensure complete, precise quotes.

The role requires interpreting fabrication drawings, BOMs, and Gerber data, applying IPC 600/610 standards, and delivering timely estimates with strong communication and organizational skills. This ITAR facility supports US citizens or permanent residents.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in cost estimation or CAM design within PCB manufacturing.
• Familiar with IPC 600/610 for Class 2, Class 3 and Class Space designs.
• Electrical Engineering degree preferred and PCB manufacturing knowledge.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting PCB fabrication drawings and technical notes.
• Experience with Gerber viewing software and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Analyze customer data, manufacturing prints, and notes to determine board attributes, processes, and sizes.
• Interpret BOMs, stackups, and panelization; translate into manufacturing complexity.
• Complete and verify internal estimate sheets to ensure all requirements are accounted for.
• Interface with CSRs, Sales, and manufacturing to clarify needs and resolve data ambiguities.
• Research specifications using internal resources (e.g., Sanmina Net) and apply appropriate standards.
• Manage data transfer from customers via FTP and organize files in data locations.
• Communicate clearly with internal teams via email and phone.

Skills

Cost estimation

CAM design

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

Gerber viewer

Job description

Job Description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.

Job Purpose

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical PCB Estimator to manage our Request for Quote (RFQ) process. In this role, you will be the first point of technical analysis, interpreting customer data to create accurate and timely cost estimates. You will serve as a key link between our Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), Sales teams, and the manufacturing process, ensuring all specifications are correctly assessed for quoting.

Nature Of Duties/Responsibilities

• Bill of Materials: Good understanding of BOM, PCB stack up and panelization. Should be able to interpret fabrication drawing and technical specifications and translate them into manufacturing complexity.
• Data Analysis: Retrieve and analyze customer data, manufacturing prints, and technical notes to determine board attributes, processes, and sizes.
• Technical Interpretation: Utilize Gerber viewing software and other programs to inspect customer data files. Use PCB layout experience to determine the complexity of the design.
• Quotation Development: Complete and verify the accuracy of internal estimate sheets, ensuring all customer requirements are accounted for.
• Collaboration: Interface directly with Customer Service Representatives and Sales teams to clarify customer needs and resolve any ambiguities in the provided data.
• Specification Research: Use internal resources like Sanmina Net to locate and apply the correct commercial or military specifications to each quote.
• Data Management: Manage the transfer of files from customers via FTP and organize them in the appropriate data locations.
• Communication: Maintain clear and professional communication with internal teams via email and phone.

Education And Experience

• Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in a cost estimation or CAM design role within printed circuit board manufacturing is required. Must be familiar with industry standards such as IPC 600/610 for both Class 2, Class 3 and Class Space designs.
• Minimum Education: Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Must have a solid understanding of Printed Wiring Boards (PWB) and their manufacturing processes.
• Software Proficiency: Direct experience with viewing Gerber data is essential.
• Communication Skills: Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to carefully read and decipher technical prints and customer notes is critical.
• Organized: Ability to resolve conflicting priorities and communicate effectively the rationale for the priorities. Set the right expectations with Sales and CSRs to accurately depict the complexity of the board.

This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Range (annual): $61,000.00 - $71,500.00

Actual base pay within this range (determined at the offer stage) will be based on a candidate’s years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, and skills, and is just one element of our total rewards package. The total rewards package also includes a variety of benefits, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business and, depending on the role, may include eligibility for restricted stock unit awards and participation in a discretionary bonus program.