Lead Estimator

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Lead Estimator

DEPARTMENT: Estimating / Quoting

REPORTS TO: Sales Manager/VP Business Development

LOCATION: Hybrid Remote & Onsite

JOB OVERVIEW

The Lead Estimator is the primary owner of the quoting process. This role is responsible for delivering accurate, competitive, & timely quotations while serving as the central point of coordination between Sales, Programming, & Operations, & Purchasing. The Lead Estimator ensures every quote reflects realistic costs, achievable lead times, & aligns with margin targets and company capabilities.

KEY REPSONSIBILITIES

• Prepare detailed, accurate, & timely job quotes based on customer drawings, specifications, & requirements.
• Create comprehensive Job Routers that clearly define the manufacturing process, required operations, tooling, & sequencing for each quoted job.
• Collaborate closely w/ Outside Sales to understand customer needs, priorities, and target pricing.
• Partner w/ the Programming & Operations teams to validate cycle times, machine capabilities, setup requirements, & production feasibility.
• Work directly w/ Purchasing Lead to obtain accurate outside process (OSP) quotes (heat treat, plating, grinding, etc.) and current material pricing.
• Coordinate w/ Inside Sales to confirm customer requirements, clarify specifications, & align on promised delivery timelines.
• Maintain the quote log. Participate in weekly Quote Log meeting to track quote status, review win/loss ratios, quote volume, and turnaround performance.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, value engineering, or alternative processing methods during the quoting phase.
• Continuously improve the quoting process by refining templates, standard costs, & historical data accuracy.
• Support the transition of won quotes into active jobs by ensuring all necessary documentation (routers, BOMs, OSP requirements) is complete and handed off to production planning.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Primarily an office/desk-based role, but frequent visits to the shop floor are required to verify machine capabilities, discuss setups w/ programmers & operators, and inspect sample parts or tooling.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 2–3 hours daily) while on the manufacturing floor or attending the occasional Trade Show.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 25 lbs. (blueprints, sample parts, fixtures, or material samples).
• Ability to navigate stairs, uneven surfaces, and typical machine shop environments (exposure to noise, coolant mist, and moving machinery).
• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe shoes when in production areas.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• 5 years of experience in CNC machining estimating/quoting (precision machining environment strongly preferred).

• Foundational understanding of machining processes, GD&T, material selection, and outside processing requirements.

• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and customer specifications.

• Analytical skills with high attention to detail.

• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel; experience with Global Shop, JobBoss, or similar shop software is a plus .

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally and drive decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Self-motivated with a track record of meeting deadlines and managing multiple quotes simultaneously.

• Valid driver’s license & ability to travel domestically (typically 10–20% including day trips and occasional overnight stays.