Product Engineer

LHH; Glendale Heights (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Employee Wellness Initiatives

Vacation and Paid Holidays

Job summary

A precision manufacturing organization is seeking a Product Cost Engineer / Manufacturing Estimator to blend manufacturing engineering expertise with cost modeling. In this role, you will develop detailed cost estimates for precision machined components and partner with engineering teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and aligned with cost targets. Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have at least 3–5 years of experience in cost estimating or manufacturing engineering. Join a collaborative culture that emphasizes long-term career growth.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in cost estimating or manufacturing engineering.
• Strong knowledge of machining processes and cost analysis.
• Ability to construct manufacturing plans from engineering prints.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates for machined components.
• Partner with engineering to ensure manufacturability of designs.
• Support Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA) initiatives.

Skills

Cost estimating

Manufacturing engineering

Machining processes

ERP systems

Lean

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAM tools

Job description

Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Salary Range: $130,000 – $135,000 annually

Overview

LHH is partnering with a highly respected precision manufacturing organization to identify a Product Cost Engineer / Manufacturing Estimator. This role blends manufacturing engineering expertise with cost modeling and commercial decision-making in a high‑mix machining environment.

The organization specializes in a niche area of manufacturing and is widely regarded as top‑tier within its industry. The culture is collaborative and casual, with a strong track record of employee tenure and long‑term career growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates and quotations for machined components produced on screw machines, rotary transfer equipment, and CNC platforms
• Determine appropriate machine platforms, tooling concepts, and manufacturing strategies to support accurate and competitive cost models
• Build manufacturing plans including setup times, run times, labor, raw material, secondary operations, and outside processing
• Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, scalable, and aligned with cost targets
• Support Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA) initiatives and cost‑reduction efforts
• Participate in prototype reviews, validation, and new product introductions
• Collaborate with operations to support production ramp‑up, capacity planning, and process alignment
• Assist with pricing strategy development, margin analysis, and commercial decision support
• Provide technical support for customer discussions and internal sales teams
• Track and support KPIs related to cost accuracy, margin, quality, and customer satisfaction

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 3–5+ years of experience in cost estimating, manufacturing engineering, process engineering, applications engineering, or hands‑on machining
• Strong knowledge of machining processes, including setup logic, cycle time development, tooling concepts, and secondary operations
• Demonstrated ability to construct manufacturing plans and cost breakdowns from engineering prints
• Proficient in blueprint reading, GD&T, and manufacturing cost analysis
• Experience working cross‑functionally with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and supply chain teams
• Familiarity with ERP systems and CAD/CAM tools
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, DFMA, or stage‑gate product development preferred

Culture

• Specialized, niche manufacturing environment recognized as best‑in‑class within its industry
• Long‑tenured workforce with strong institutional knowledge
• Casual, team‑oriented work environment
• Base Salary: $130,000 – $135,000 annually
• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage effective Day 1 of employment
• Retirement Plan: 401(k)
• Insurance: Life Insurance and Short‑Term Disability coverage effective 90 days after start date
• Paid Time Off:
• 2 weeks of vacation in the first year (negotiable)
• Paid holidays in accordance with company policy
• Employee Wellness Initiatives: Included as part of the benefits program

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance