Sr. Cost Estimator (Manufacturing)

American Flowform and Machining; Billerica (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

American Flowform and Machining in Billerica, Massachusetts, seeks a Senior Cost Estimator to collaborate with Business Development and Engineering. The role focuses on developing accurate price quotations for flow-formed and machined components in the aerospace, defense, and oil & gas sectors.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, and hands-on CNC Lathe skills. The position demands strong communication and analytical abilities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in precision machining or manufacturing engineering.
• Hands-on experience with machine tools; CNC Lathe experience preferred.
• Cost estimating experience in aerospace, defense, or oil & gas industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Calculate production costs using labor rates, material costs, and processing estimates.
• Serve as a strategic bridge between estimating, supply chain, engineering, and manufacturing.
• Coordinate procurement of raw materials and processing services.

Skills

Machine shop practices

Cost estimating

CNC Lathe operation

Lean Manufacturing principles

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

The Senior Cost Estimator (Manufacturing) is responsible for collaborating with Business Development, Engineering, and customers to develop accurate price quotations for flow‑formed and machined components based on customer RFQ data.

In this role, you will develop comprehensive cost estimates by coordinating labor, material, outside processing, production lead times, and NRE/NRT requirements from multiple technical and commercial inputs. Additionally, this position is responsible for procuring raw materials and outside services necessary to meet customer requirements and support ongoing production needs.

Responsibilities

• Calculate production costs using established labor rates, material costs, and processing estimates. Lead cost estimating activities supporting customers in the Aerospace, Defense, and Oil & Gas markets.
• Serve as a strategic bridge between estimating, supply chain, engineering, and manufacturing to ensure accurate cost models and efficient production execution.
• Coordinate the procurement of raw materials and outside processing services through the integrated supply chain and approved vendor network.
• Job Control & Analysis: analysis, and close coordination with manufacturing teams to improve processes and cost performance.
• Perform all tasks and activities required to seamlessly support the estimating and production coordination functions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in precision machining, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical field involving medium‑to‑highly complex components.
• Hands‑on experience with the setup and operation of various machine tools; CNC Lathe experience is highly preferred.
• Cost estimating experience within the aerospace, defense, or oil & gas industries is preferred.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 quality standards.
• Strong proficiency in reading process drawings and applying GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen due to the nature of the work, compliance with federal contracts, and exposure to ITAR/EAR‑regulated technical data.

Skills & Knowledge

• Deep understanding of machine shop practices and the ability to estimate machining cycle times across multiple machining platforms.
• Familiarity with tooling selection and machining processes for a variety of manufacturing applications.
• Experience with high‑temperature and exotic alloys, associated process specifications, and advanced machining techniques.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and manufacturing data management tools.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Knowledge of Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) including Magnetic Particle, Pressure Testing, and Dye Penetrant.
• Knowledge of Mechanical Testing including Tensile, Hardness, Grain Size, and Salt Fog testing.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, organizational, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to multitask effectively under tight deadlines.

Work Environment

The job operates in a manufacturing atmosphere. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those any employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to:

• Moderate to loud standard manufacturing noises throughout the day
• Work on or near moving mechanical parts
• Large rotating machining centers and drilling equipment
• Industrial Mobile Equipment moving throughout the shop

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

• Walk; sit; stand; bend; lift; reach with hands and arms; stoop; kneel; crouch; crawl; use hands to fingers; handle or feel objects; and move continually during working hours
• Lift over 50 pounds, along with over the head lifting
• Vision abilities, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus
• Able to work flexible hours – including over‑time, and weekends to meet customer demands

Disclaimers

The job description is:

• Intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills and behaviors of employees in this job.
• Not an employment agreement or contract. American Flowform and Machining has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
• Intended to describe the essential functions of the position that a qualified individual must be able to perform, either with or without reasonable accommodation.

American Flowform and Machining will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by federal or state law. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process if so requested.