Estimating Engineer
Fort Wayne, IN
Private Equity Partners – Proform /
Full Time /
On-site
Looking to turn technical expertise into real-world impact?
Join a high-growth manufacturing team that specializes in CNC machining, design engineering, and custom fabrication. From complex prototypes to high-volume production, our client supports critical industries including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and defense.
As an Estimating Engineer, you’ll play a key role in connecting design to production, analyzing drawings, building accurate cost estimates, and collaborating with teams to deliver competitive, high-quality solutions. If you thrive on precision, collaboration, and continuous improvement, this is where your skills will shine.
Responsibilities:
- Review drawing requirements and identify special requirements or possible processing concerns; gather team as required to discuss risk factors and develop process.
- Determine if the RFQ fits within our client's manufacturing capabilities and product scope.
- Collaborate with customers and internal team members to get necessary information for part costing.
- Lead the costing process, to develop accurate cost estimates for labor, materials, outside processing, and production lead time based on customer prints and specifications.
- Provide customers with timely estimates that align with their requirements and project timelines.
- Promote product development activities such as GD&T, APQP and DFMEA to support cost-effective designs.
- Work with programmers to ensure creation of tooling and set up instructions in line with project needs.
- Coordinate with purchasing team and external vendors to secure raw materials and outside services.
- Provide timely feedback to management on the status and progress of ongoing quotes and projects.
- Track performance of submitted quotes and RFQs (won, lost, pending) to provide feedback and ensure continuous improvement in the cost estimation process.
- Support operations by identifying and implementing process improvements on the shop floor, including tool design and cycle time optimization.
- Contribute to process improvement efforts by identifying opportunities for efficiency and cost savings.
- Update costing models based on actuals, process, materials, or production method changes.
- Analyze data and production trends to improve costing accuracy and support cost-reduction initiatives.
- Manage and update the customer specifications library to ensure compliance with current standards and requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in BSME, BSMET, BSIE, or related engineering discipline preferred
- 3+ years of relevant experience in product engineering design and cost estimating for CNC precision machined parts, or 4–6 years of experience in lieu of a degree
- Understanding of manufacturing methods, procedures, and process improvement
- Ability to read and interpret technical blueprints and drawings
- Proficient math skills, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Effective time management with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities
- High emotional and social intelligence; adaptable to frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events
- Strong interpersonal, customer service, and relationship-building skills
- Clear and professional verbal and written communication
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Skilled in navigating and resolving complex internal or external challenges
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Experience with SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD is a plus
- Industry experience in automotive, marine, material handling, or ordnance is a plus
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
- Occasional (less than 10%) travel to customers and suppliers when needed
$65,000 - $75,000 a year
The above base salary plus incentive compensation opportunity of up to 20%
This job posting summarizes the typical job functions. It is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties required by the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and functions may differ from those outlined in this job description and may change at any time.
