Senior Cost Estimator – Aerospace Manufacturing

SST Direct; Manchester (CT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

SST Direct in Manchester, CT seeks a Senior Cost Estimator to lead complex aerospace cost estimating, pricing strategy, and process improvements. Reporting to the President, you will collaborate with engineering, purchasing, and leadership to develop accurate quotations for government and Tier 1 customers.

This role requires 10+ years in aerospace cost estimating, deep knowledge of drawings, ERP data, and LEAN methods. Travel is occasional.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of aerospace manufacturing cost estimation/quotations.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specs.
• Experience with ERP systems and historical cost analysis.
• Familiarity with government contracting requirements (DCMA).
• Strong analytical, project management, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvements and establish consistent estimating practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate cost estimates for aerospace components using blueprints and specs.
• Collaborate with engineering and purchasing to evaluate material, labor, manufacturing, and other costs.
• Analyze historical cost data and ERP information to develop accurate, competitive estimates.
• Manage the RFQ process from initial review and cost development through proposal submission and negotiations.
• Support relationships with Tier 1 aerospace manufacturers and government customers.
• Identify cost risks and opportunities, and report recommendations to leadership.
• Establish and improve estimating procedures using LEAN principles and continuous improvement methods.
• Track quotation performance to improve estimating accuracy and competitiveness.
• Review purchase orders to ensure alignment with quoted pricing and terms.
• Travel occasionally (<10%).

Skills

Aerospace cost estimating

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Leadership

Cost analysis

Education

Engineering degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Senior Cost Estimator – Aerospace Manufacturing

Salary: $100,000–$115,000 per year, based on experience

Location: Manchester, CT
Travel: Less than 10%
Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off

Take the Lead in Aerospace Cost Estimating

An established aerospace manufacturing company is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to lead complex cost estimating activities and support strategic business growth. Reporting directly to the company President, this high-level position offers the opportunity to influence pricing strategy, improve estimating processes, and contribute to key business decisions while supporting relationships with leading aerospace manufacturers and government customers.

The ideal candidate brings extensive aerospace manufacturing experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to independently manage complex quotations while collaborating with engineering, purchasing, and executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop accurate cost estimates for semi-complex and complex aerospace components using customer blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with engineering and purchasing teams to evaluate material, labor, manufacturing, and other product costs.
• Analyze historical cost data and ERP system information to develop accurate, competitive estimates.
• Manage the RFQ process from initial review and cost development through proposal submission and customer negotiations.
• Support customer relationships with Tier 1 aerospace manufacturers and government customers, including Collins Aerospace, Raytheon Technologies, and Department of Defense-related organizations.
• Identify cost risks, pricing variances, and opportunities for improvement, communicating recommendations directly to leadership.
• Establish and improve estimating procedures, standards, and best practices using LEAN principles and continuous improvement methods.
• Track quotation performance, including win/loss rates, to improve estimating accuracy and competitiveness.
• Review customer purchase orders to ensure alignment with quoted pricing, terms, and company requirements.
• Travel occasionally as needed, with expected travel below 10%.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of aerospace manufacturing experience, preferably in cost estimating, manufacturing costing, or quotation development.
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Experience with ERP systems and historical manufacturing cost analysis.
• Familiarity with DCMA, Department of Defense, or similar government contracting requirements preferred.
• Engineering degree preferred but not required.
• Strong analytical, project management, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvements and implement consistent estimating practices.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate across departments, and communicate effectively with executive leadership and external customers.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The employer is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable federal and Connecticut law.
INDH