CNC Manufacturing Estimator / Costing Specialist

We are seeking an experienced CNC Manufacturing Estimator / Costing Specialist to join our team in Livonia, Michigan. This position is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable quotations for CNC-machined components and assemblies.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of CNC machining processes and the ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, technical specifications, and customer requirements. The successful candidate will analyze manufacturing requirements, determine material and processing costs, estimate machine and labor requirements, coordinate outside processing, and develop detailed quotations.

This role will work closely with Sales, Production, Quality, Purchasing, and outside suppliers to ensure quotations accurately reflect manufacturing requirements, costs, lead times, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Review RFQs: Analyze request-for-quote documents, engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and technical specifications.
• Calculate Costs: Determine run times, machine cycle times, raw material amounts, tooling wear, and labor expenses.  Develop accurate, competitive and profitable quotes.
• Vendor Sourcing: Coordinate with outside processors for finishing, plating, heat-treating, or specialized coatings.
• Follow up on submitted quotations and customer inquiries.
• Maintain and refine historical quoting and production data to improve the accuracy, speed, and consistency of future estimates.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of quoting processes, templates, cost-modeling tools, and estimating methods.
• Collaborate with production team, engineering staff and Quality department.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating precision CNC-machined components for aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, or other highly regulated industries.
• CNC programming or CNC setup experience.
• Manufacturing or mechanical engineering education or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with CAM software.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing cost databases.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, or other relevant quality systems.
• Experience developing cost models or automated estimating tools.
• Experience analyzing estimated versus actual production costs.
• Familiarity with supplier qualification and outside-processing requirements.

Key Competencies

• Manufacturing Knowledge: Strong practical understanding of CNC machining and manufacturing processes.
• Cost Analysis: Ability to accurately identify and quantify the costs associated with manufacturing a component.
• Technical Interpretation: Ability to understand drawings, GD&T, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Business Acumen: Ability to balance competitiveness, customer requirements, manufacturing risk, and profitability.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to identify cost drivers, trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Communication: Ability to clearly communicate technical and commercial information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Organization: Ability to prioritize multiple RFQs and meet quotation deadlines.
• Continuous Improvement: Desire to improve estimating processes, tools, data quality, and overall quoting performance.

Work Environment:

This is primarily a manufacturing-office position with regular interaction with the production floor. The employee should be comfortable working in a CNC manufacturing environment and periodically observing machining operations, reviewing setups, and communicating with production personnel.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Company-paid or supplemental life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Professional development and training opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

4M Industries Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace where all qualified individuals are treated with respect and have equal opportunity for employment, advancement, and professional development.

4M Industries was founded in 1989 and is a supplier of high precision CNC machined components, primarily to the Aerospace/Defense Industry. 4M Industries has continued to grow and thrive over its 33 year history, currently with 66,000 sq ft and 69 CNC Machining Centers.