Project Estimator (786)

Blusadefense; Mount Laurel Township (NJ); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

BLUSA Defense Manufacturing in Mount Laurel, NJ seeks a Project Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates for machining, fabrication, and assembly projects. This role supports competitive pricing and strategic growth in a defense-focused environment.

The ideal candidate will review RFQs, drawings, BOMs, and specifications, calculating labor, material, tooling, and overhead costs. Collaboration with engineering, operations, and supply chain is essential to validate feasibility and lead times.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• 1–3 years estimating, project engineering, manufacturing planning, or related experience required; 5+ years preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of machining, fabrication, welding, and assembly operations.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, GD&T, specifications, MIL-STDs, and CAD models.

Responsibilities

• Review customer RFQs, technical drawings, BOMs, and specifications to develop detailed cost estimates.
• Calculate labor, material, machining time, subcontracting, tooling, and overhead costs for precision manufacturing projects.
• Prepare and submit formal quotations and proposals aligned with internal pricing strategies and profitability goals.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to validate feasibility, cost, and lead time assumptions.
• Identify cost drivers and recommend pricing strategies to improve competitiveness and profitability.
• Track awarded vs. quoted work and update costing models based on actual performance.
• Maintain accurate records, costing data, and estimating tools to support future projections.
• Ensure compliance with defense industry requirements including ITAR, ISO 9001, and AS9100 standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Documentation

GD&T interpretation

MIL-STDs knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/industrial/manufacturing engineering or related field

Tools

Estimating software

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Mastercam

Job description

# Project Estimator (786)Mount Laurel - Mount Laurel, NJ 08054## Description**Project Estimator – BLUSA Defense Manufacturing****Location:** 11000 Midlantic Drive, Suite 100, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 **Schedule:** Full-Time | On-Site | Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. **Website:**---### **About BLUSA Defense Manufacturing**BLUSA Defense Manufacturing is a trusted U.S.-based leader in precision machining, fabrication, welding, and assembly for critical defense applications. With decades of experience supporting the U.S. military and allied partners, we take pride in delivering high-quality, compliant, and mission-ready components that strengthen national security.### **Position Overview**We are seeking a detail-driven **Project Estimator** to join our team in Mount Laurel, NJ. In this role, you will be responsible for developing accurate cost estimates and proposals for machining, fabrication, and assembly projects. This position is critical to supporting competitive pricing, project planning, and strategic business growth in a fast-paced, defense-focused environment.The ideal candidate understands manufacturing processes, can interpret complex technical drawings, and collaborates cross-functionally to produce precise and timely bids.---### **Key Responsibilities*** Review customer RFQs, technical drawings, BOMs, and specifications to develop detailed cost estimates.* Calculate labor, material, machining time, subcontracting, tooling, and overhead costs for precision manufacturing projects.* Prepare and submit formal quotations and proposals aligned with internal pricing strategies and profitability goals.* Collaborate with engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to validate feasibility, cost, and lead time assumptions.* Identify cost drivers and recommend pricing strategies to improve competitiveness and profitability.* Track awarded vs. quoted work and update costing models based on actual performance.* Maintain accurate records, costing data, and estimating tools to support future projections.* Ensure compliance with defense industry requirements including ITAR, ISO 9001, and AS9100 standards.##### Qualifications### **Qualifications*** Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, engineering, business, or related field (or equivalent experience).* 1–3 years of estimating, project engineering, manufacturing planning, or related experience required; 5+ years preferred, especially in defense or aerospace.* Strong working knowledge of machining, fabrication, welding, and assembly operations.* Ability to interpret technical drawings, GD&T, specifications, MIL-STDs, and CAD models.* Proficiency in estimating software, ERP/MRP systems, and Microsoft Excel.* Familiarity with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Mastercam is a plus.* Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.* U.S. citizenship required due to ITAR regulations.