PCB Estimator

Sanmina Corporation; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus or commission

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive medical and dental

Job summary

Sanmina Corporation in San Jose, CA seeks a detail-oriented PCB Estimator to lead RFQ analysis and cost estimation. You will interpret customer data, BOMs, and fabrication drawings to translate requirements into manufacturing plans.

You will interface with CSRs and Sales to ensure accurate quotes, apply IPC 600/610 standards, and drive accurate, timely bid packages for complex PCB projects. This role emphasizes data-driven decision making and clear stakeholder communication.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in cost estimation or CAM design for PCB manufacturing.
• Familiarity with IPC 600/610 Class 2, 3 and Space designs.
• Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to resolve conflicting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Interpret BOM, PCB stack up, and drawings to determine manufacturing complexity.
• Retrieve and analyze customer data, prints, and notes to define board attributes and processes.
• Use Gerber viewing software and PCB layout experience to assess design complexity.
• Complete and verify internal estimate sheets to capture all customer requirements.
• Collaborate with CSRs and Sales to clarify customer needs and data ambiguities.
• Research applicable specifications (commercial/military) and apply them to each quote.
• Manage transfer of files from customers via FTP and organize data locations.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with internal teams via email and phone.

Skills

Cost estimation

CAM design

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organized

Education

Electrical Engineering degree preferred

Tools

Gerber viewing

IPC 600/610

Job description

Description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a global powerhouse in integrated manufacturing solutions serving the fastest growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. We are a global engine providing the end-to-end manufacturing backbone for the world's most essential and innovative brands. Whether it's autonomous vehicles, life-saving medical tech, next-gen aerospace, or AI/cloud infrastructure - our integrated solutions don’t just meet standards—they redefine them.

Description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a global powerhouse in integrated manufacturing solutions serving the fastest growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. We are a global engine providing the end-to-end manufacturing backbone for the world's most essential and innovative brands. Whether it's autonomous vehicles, life-saving medical tech, next-gen aerospace, or AI/cloud infrastructure - our integrated solutions don’t just meet standards—they redefine them.

Summary

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.

What You’ll Do

• 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.

What You’ll Bring

• 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
• 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.

How to Stand Out

• 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.

Why Join Us?

At Sanmina, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $61,000.00 and $72,800.00, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Sanmina employees also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Sanmina, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Sanmina provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Please be aware that this position may require access to technology, software, or technical data that is subject to U.S. export control laws. All offers of employment are contingent on the applicant either 1) being a "U.S. Person," defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, or (iii) other protected individual, such as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158; or 2) being eligible to obtain a timely export control license or license exception from the applicable U.S. federal agency.

• 1157 or asylee under 8 U.S.C.
• 1158; or 2) being eligible to obtain a timely export control license or license exception from the applicable U.S. federal agency.