Project Estimator – Manufacturing Engineer

MBC Talent Connections; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MBC Talent Connections is seeking a Project Estimator – Manufacturing Engineer to lead the estimating function for precision machining. You will develop accurate manufacturing estimates, create process plans, and collaborate with engineering and production to drive profitability and manufacturability.

The role requires technical CAD skills (AutoCAD or SolidWorks), strong GD&T interpretation, and hands-on experience with CNC milling/turning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Hands-on manufacturing or machine shop experience in precision machining.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or SolidWorks and GD&T interpretation.
• Experience calculating milling/turning times and cost estimates.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements to plan manufacturing methods.
• Create process plans for CNC milling, turning, grinding, and inspection.
• Calculate setup/cycle times and estimate labor, materials, tooling, and production costs.
• Evaluate outside processing like heat treating and coatings; mitigate risks.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to ensure practical, manufacturable estimates.
• Improve estimating accuracy and quoting efficiency.

Skills

Manufacturing Estimation

CAD/CAM

GD&T interpretation

CNC Machining

Process Planning

Shop Floor Experience

Costing

Collaboration

Blueprint Reading

Welding Knowledge

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Project Estimator – Manufacturing Engineer

Job Overview

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer with expertise in precision machining to lead our estimating function. This is a strategic, technical role for a professional who combines shop-floor knowledge with the ability to develop accurate manufacturing estimates and practical production plans. The ideal candidate will drive manufacturing accuracy, efficiency, and profitability through expert process planning, cost estimation, and collaboration with engineering and production teams.

This position requires a technically strong professional who understands precision machining and CNC operations, confidently reads blueprints and GD&T, has hands-on welding and fabrication knowledge, accurately calculates machining times, and leverages AutoCAD or SolidWorks to support effective manufacturing estimates and production planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Review blueprints, engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements.


• Determine manufacturing methods and develop process plans for CNC milling, turning, grinding, and inspection.


• Calculate setup and machining cycle times, particularly for milling and turning.


• Estimate labor, materials, tooling, machining, and production costs.


• Evaluate outside processing such as heat treating, plating, and specialty coatings.


• Identify manufacturing risks involving tolerances, GD&T, materials, and tooling.


• Prepare accurate estimates for custom and precision-machined components.


• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure estimates are practical and manufacturable.


• Improve estimating accuracy, manufacturability, and quoting efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent technical discipline).


• Hands‑on manufacturing or machine shop experience in a precision machining or custom manufacturing environment


• Proficiency in AutoCAD or SolidWorks.


• Strong blueprint and GD&T interpretation skills.


• Knowledge of welding and fabrication, including fabrication prints.


• Strong experience with CNC machining and machine setup.


• CNC programming or manufacturing process development experience.


• Experience calculating machining setup and cycle times for milling and turning.


• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Mastercam or other CAM programming experience.


• Custom manufacturing estimating experience


• Ability to develop accurate cost and labor estimates.


• Experience setting up and operating various manufacturing tools including milling and turning equipment.


• Experience estimating custom, short-run, or precision-machined components.


• Knowledge of job costing, routing, and machine shop quoting.


• Familiarity with manufacturing ERP/MRP systems.


• Experience with large or complex machined parts.

Compensation

$80,000–$120,000 per year, based on experience, technical skills, and education.

Benefits:

• Medical, vision, and optional dental insurance


• Two weeks of paid time off


• Paid major holidays


• Annual bonus and profit-sharing opportunities


• On-site parking