Senior Aerospace Estimation Engineer

Brightpath Associates LLC; Wauseon (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightpath Associates LLC is seeking a Senior Estimation Engineer to convert customer prints into accurate quotes. You will own the cost model from raw materials to tooling, setup, and outside processing, influencing pricing strategy and margins.

Responsibilities include estimating cycle times, developing should-cost models, and ensuring quotes reflect shop-floor realities while coordinating with sales and operations to meet tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in cost estimating or manufacturing engineering in precision machining.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation.
• Hands-on CNC milling and turning process knowledge.
• Experience with ERP/costing software and Excel-based models.
• Proven quotes that align with shop-floor realities.

Responsibilities

• Develop RFQ cost models covering material, tooling, setup, and外 processing.
• Estimate cycle times using process knowledge for milling/turning.
• Build should-cost models to defend pricing and spot cost savings.
• Turn quotes around quickly with sales and program management.
• Track cost vs. actuals and improve the estimating model.

Skills

Cost estimation

Manufacturing engineering

GD&T interpretation

CNC milling/turning know‑how

ERP/costing software

Excel modeling

Quote accuracy

Pricing negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/ Manufacturing/ Industrial Engineering

Tools

Job Boss

Paperless Parts

Excel

Job description

Duration: Full Time, Permanent (Onsite)

Job Description:

We're looking for a Senior Estimation Engineer who can turn a customer print into an accurate, defensible, and competitive quote, fast. You will own the cost model behind every RFQ that comes through us, from raw material and cycle time to tooling, setup, and outside processing. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, and sales, and directly shapes which jobs we win and whether we make money on them. You will report to operations and commercial leadership, with regular visibility to the CEO on pricing strategy and win/loss trends.

What You’ll Own

• RFQ Cost Modeling: build detailed cost estimates from customer prints and specs, covering material, cycle time, tooling, setup, inspection, and outside processing.
• Process and Cycle Time Analysis: apply process knowledge across milling, turning, and multi-axis machining to estimate realistic cycle times, not best-case guesses.
• Should-Cost Modeling: build should-cost models for existing competitor parts, and use them to negotiate margin, defend pricing, and identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Quote Turnaround: work directly with sales and program management to turn around competitive quotes on tight customer timelines without sacrificing accuracy.
• Estimate Accuracy and Feedback Loop: track quoted cost versus actual shop cost on won jobs, and feed that data back into the estimating model so it gets sharper over time.
• Capacity and Make/Buy Input: factor current shop loading and equipment availability into lead time and pricing decisions on new quotes.
• Design for Manufacturability Input: partner with engineering on manufacturability feedback during the quoting stage, catching cost drivers before they become production problems.
• Estimating Systems and Standards: maintain and improve the rate tables, labor standards, and cost models used across the estimating function.

Requirements

WHAT YOU BRING

• 5+ years of cost estimating or manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or another precision machining environment.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation; ability to read a print and see the cost drivers immediately.
• Hands-on knowledge of CNC milling and turning processes, tooling selection, and realistic cycle time calculation.
• Experience with ERP or costing software (Job Boss, Paperless Parts or equivalent) and comfort building or refining cost models in Excel.
• A track record of quotes that hold up: estimates that match what happens on the shop floor, not just what wins the bid.
• Comfortable pushing back on sales or customers when a target price does not match the real cost of the work.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering preferred; equivalent shopfloor and estimating experience will be considered.
• Experience with ITAR-controlled programs and AS9100 quoting requirements a plus.

What We Expect From You

Precision under pressure. Quotes come in fast and often on short deadlines, and we need estimates that are both quick and right. You take ownership of the number you put in front of a customer, and you are willing to say no to a price that does not work, even when there is pressure to say yes.