Precision Machining Quote Manager

Ketchie Inc; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Ketchie Inc., a Concord, North Carolina-based precision CNC machine shop, seeks a Project Manager to lead RFQ lifecycle, cost analysis, and technical collaboration for manufacturing parts to customer specifications.

Responsibilities include managing quotes, evaluating profitability, and coordinating with sales, production, and quality teams to ensure timely and accurate project execution.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of CNC machining experience.
• Strong reading of blueprints and GD&T.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• RFQ & Quotation Management: review and respond to customer RFQs.
• Cost Analysis & Estimating: quantify costs and prepare quotations.
• Technical Review & Collaboration: read drawings and refine cost estimates with machinists and QA.
• Customer & Cross-Functional Communication: be the main contact for customers and coordinate with sales, production, and quality.
• Leadership & Team Engagement: support objectives and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Strong communication & interpersonal

CNC Programming

Time Study Analysis

GD&T interpretation

Read blueprints

Tools

Mastercam

Mazatrol

ERP & MRP Systems

Job description

Ketchie Inc., a Concord, North Carolina full-service precision CNC machine shop providing supply solutions for both government and commercial customers in a wide variety of industries including Rail, Aerospace, Heavy Machinery, Industrial Equipment, and many specialized OEM’s. Ketchie makes it easy for American manufactures by investing in machining technology, people, and processes so that they can focus on what they do best and have confidence in their supply chain.

Ketchie Inc. is an AS9100 certified facility with capabilities that include collaborative robots, pallet automation, 5-axis machining, turning, milling, broaching, EDM, grinding, and gear cutting.

Position Summary:

The Project Manager serves as the primary point of contact for designated customers and is responsible for managing the full RFQ lifecycle from receipt through quote submission and order review. This role analyzes all technical and cost components required to manufacture parts according to customer specifications and ensures quotes are accurate, competitive, and compliant with all requirements. A successful Project Manager can balance technical decisions with business considerations including margin, delivery timelines, and company profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

RFQ & Quotation Management

• Receive and manage customer RFQs, ensuring timely review and response.
• Analyze all aspects required to manufacture parts to customer specifications.
• Manage the RFQ queue to ensure quotes are submitted accurately and on time.
• Ensure all quotes comply with customer-submitted requirements.
• Work with the Sales Manager to establish priority and timelines.

Cost Analysis & Estimating

• Identify and quantify cost factors including production time, materials, labor, third-party processes, and delivery requirements.
• Prepare detailed and accurate quotations.
• Evaluate product cost-effectiveness and profitability against company goals.
• Review margins on existing orders upon receipt and recommend adjustments as needed.

Technical Review & Collaboration

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, material specifications, and technical documents.
• Collaborate with machinists, materials specialists, and quality personnel to refine cost estimates.
• Recommend changes that improve efficiency and profitability while maintaining quality standards.

Customer & Cross-Functional Communication

• Serve as the main point of contact for designated customers. Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions with customers and collaborate effectively across sales, production, and quality teams.
• Proactively communicate with Sales Manager and Production Manager to meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Consult with customers, vendors, and internal team members to resolve issues and ensure accurate project execution.

Leadership & Team Engagement

• Work closely with all team members to support company objectives.
• Maintain and motivate a strong customer-focused mindset across all responsibilities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational performance and customer satisfaction.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of CNC machining experience
• Strong hands-on machining background
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Preferred experience in Mastercam and/or Mazatrol
• Experience with new part launches and prove-outs
• Deep understanding of machining processes, tooling, fixturing, and cutting parameters
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T

You Should Be Proficient In

• Time Study Analysis
• CNC Programming
• ERP & MRP Systems
• AS9100 Experience