CNC Machinist/Estimator

CNC Machinist/Estimator

Northwest Chicago Suburbs  |  Hybrid  |  Confidential Search

Company Overview

We are an established precision CNC machine shop in the Northwest Chicago suburbs, serving a diverse customer base across automation, metal forming, industrial equipment, and other demanding industries. The shop runs a full mix of CNC mills, CNC lathes, EDM, grinding, welding, and inspection capability under one roof, with a tight, experienced team that takes pride in tight-tolerance work.

The company is in an active growth and modernization phase, investing in modern ERP, AI-assisted estimating tools, and continuous improvement. It offers a small-shop culture with the systems and ambition of a much larger operation.

Position Summary

The CNC Machinist/Estimator prepares accurate cost estimates and quotes for new and repeat machining work, partnering with the existing estimating lead, programming team, and shop-floor leads to ensure quotes are competitive, profitable, and realistic. This role takes full advantage of the company’s modern ERP — including AI-assisted RFQ intake, an estimating rules engine, and historical part data — to turn customer drawings and models into winning quotes faster than competitors can.

This is a hands-on role for someone who knows machining, can think on the shop floor as easily as in front of a screen, and wants to help build the estimating function in a shop that is actively modernizing.

Key Responsibilities

•     Review customer drawings, 3D models, and specifications to determine machining requirements, work-holding strategy, and inspection needs.

•     Develop accurate cost estimates covering material, labor, machine time, tooling, outside processes, and freight.

•     Use SolidWorks and Mastercam to evaluate manufacturability, identify cost drivers, and validate process plans.

•     Apply and refine the company’s estimating rules and historical part data to drive consistent, defensible pricing.

•     Collaborate with the Shop Manager, Lead Programmer, mill/lathe/EDM/grinding leads, and QC to confirm feasibility and capacity.

•     Prepare and submit professional quotes and respond to customer questions, revisions, and follow-ups in a timely manner.

•     Identify repeat parts, standardize routings, and continuously improve quote accuracy by comparing estimated versus actual job results.

•     Support the broader estimating workflow as needed — RFQ intake, supplier RFQs for outside processes, and PO acceptance.

Qualifications

•     3 years of CNC machining experience (required) — hands-on operating, programming, or setup background.

•     Prior estimating or quoting experience for CNC machining work (required).

•     Proficiency in SolidWorks and Mastercam (required).

•     Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.

•     Working knowledge of milling, turning, and ideally EDM and grinding processes, tooling, and common materials (steels, aluminum, stainless, tool steels).

•     Comfortable using modern ERP and estimating software; willing to learn and help shape new tools.

•     Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail on cost and tolerance.

•     Excellent written and verbal communication; able to work directly with customers and shop personnel.

•     Self-directed and dependable — comfortable in a small-team environment where estimators wear multiple hats.

Compensation & Work Environment

Target Salary: $80,000 annually (commensurate with experience).

Work Arrangement: Hybrid — primarily on-site, with flexibility to work remotely for quote prep and RFQ review once established.

Location: Northwest Chicago suburbs.

Benefits: Competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.

Why this role: Established shop, modern tooling, AI-first estimating tools, and active investment in growth — a rare combination in this industry.