Job Description

About the Role

Pinnacle Partners is recruiting for a Manufacturing Estimator in Anderson, IN. This position focuses on quoting custom manufacturing projects, developing accurate cost estimates, and determining the most efficient machining processes to produce customer parts. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing estimating, precision machining, or a related engineering role, with a strong understanding of machine shop operations, routings, and cost analysis.

This role combines manufacturing expertise and estimating responsibilities, working closely with Sales, Engineering, and Operations to develop competitive quotes and support profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review customer drawings, engineering specifications, GD&T, 3D models, and supporting documentation to determine project scope and manufacturability.

• Develop accurate, competitive, and executable manufacturing estimates based on customer requirements.

• Translate customer requirements into practical manufacturing processes and production plans.

• Build detailed manufacturing routings, including operation sequences, work centers, setup times, cycle times, tooling, fixturing, and material requirements.

• Determine labor requirements, outside processing needs, and additional cost inputs for each project.

• Apply machining and manufacturing knowledge to identify the most efficient and cost-effective methods for producing customer parts.

• Identify critical cost drivers, technical risks, missing information, and potential production challenges before submitting quotes.

• Document estimating assumptions, exclusions, risks, and open questions to ensure alignment between commercial and manufacturing teams.

• Evaluate machine and labor capacity by work center to identify potential bottlenecks and establish realistic production lead times.

• Partner with Sales, Engineering, and Operations to validate manufacturing methods, routings, capacity assumptions, and pricing decisions.

• Support quote reviews and help determine which projects to pursue based on manufacturing capabilities, capacity, and profitability.

• Compare estimated routings, labor hours, and costs against actual job results to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Refine estimating tools, time standards, and standard work to improve quoting accuracy and consistency.

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure quoted projects can be executed successfully within established cost and delivery expectations.

• Continuously improve estimating processes to reduce avoidable production issues and strengthen overall estimating accuracy.

Requirements:

• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing estimating, cost estimating, quoting, or a closely related manufacturing engineering role.

• Substantial technical or hands-on experience in precision machining, tooling, or custom manufacturing.

• Formal machine shop estimating experience, including direct responsibility for developing quotes, routings, and manufacturing cost assumptions.

• Strong understanding of machine shop processes, including CNC milling and turning, multi-axis machining, grinding, EDM, tooling, fixturing, and materials.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, technical specifications, and 3D models.

• Ability to translate technical requirements into manufacturing process sequences, labor requirements, material needs, outside services, lead times, and cost estimates.

• Understanding of setup times, cycle times, machine capabilities, and production capacity.

• Ability to identify manufacturing risks, cost drivers, and potential production challenges before submitting estimates.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate manufacturing processes and determine cost-effective solutions.

• Comfortable learning and utilizing ERP systems, estimating software, spreadsheets, and drawing/model review tools.

• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate across Sales, Engineering, and Operations.

• Associate or bachelor's degree in machining, engineering, manufacturing, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent manufacturing experience is acceptable.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in precision contract machining or low-volume, high-variety manufacturing environments.

• CNC machining experience, including programming, setup, and operation.

• Experience with product design, GD&T, and CAM software.

• Familiarity with JobBOSS ERP software.

• Experience estimating projects involving complex machined components, tooling, and custom manufacturing requirements.

• Previous experience as a Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, Applications Engineer, Cost Engineer, Quoting Engineer, or Senior Manufacturing Estimator.

• Experience with outside processing requirements, including heat treating, plating, and other subcontracted operations.

• Background as an experienced machinist or toolmaker with direct responsibility for estimating, quoting, and developing manufacturing routings.

Benefits Overview:

• Annual base salary generally ranging from approximately $74,000–$86,000.

• Annual salary increases.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

• Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.

• 3% 401(k) company match.

• Additional life insurance buy-up options.

• 8 paid holidays.

• Standard first-shift schedule, generally 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Overtime opportunities as project demands require.

• Opportunity to work in a climate-controlled, well-lit manufacturing environment with a variety of CNC and manual machining equipment.

• On-the-job training alongside an experienced estimator to learn company-specific estimating processes and procedures.

• Opportunity to join a growing manufacturing organization with plans for additional facility space and continued business expansion.

• Collaborative, team-oriented work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Explore More Engineering Opportunities

This role falls within our Engineering/Manufacturing division, where we specialize in placing professionals in areas such as:

• Quality Engineering and Quality Assurance

• Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

• Manufacturing/Process Engineering

• CNC Machining and Programming

• Field Service Engineering

• Technical Support and Parts Management

• Controls and Automation Engineering

• Project Engineering

• Operations / Plant Engineering

Explore additional Engineering roles and learn more about how we support Engineering professionals:

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