What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estimation Engineer position at HABCO Industries?
Company Description
HABCO Industries is a trusted provider of aerospace tools, ground, and test support equipment serving both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft across commercial and military markets. For over 55 years, we’ve built our reputation on quality, ingenuity, and customer focus—partnering with the world’s leading aerospace OEMs and end-users to keep aircraft mission ready.
Today, HABCO is poised for continued growth. Over the past five years, we’ve expanded both the scale and sophistication of our work, diversifying our customer base and investing in the people who make that success possible. We’re a Lean-focused, fast-paced organization that values curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
At HABCO, you’ll find an environment where cross-training, skill-building, and empowerment are part of everyday life. Whether you’re deepening your expertise in a specific discipline or stepping outside your swim lane to take on new challenges, you’ll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on complex programs that ship thousands of products annually across multiple value streams.
Join a team where craftsmanship meets innovation!
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role for an Estimation Engineer located in Glastonbury, CT. The Estimation Engineer will be responsible for preparing detailed cost estimates, shape bid strategies and support profitable decision-making by performing research to support accurate and competitive pricing. The role involves collaborating with teams to ensure accuracy in project scopes and requirements, as well as negotiating with vendors and stakeholders to achieve cost-effective solutions.
The Estimation Engineer will work closely with engineering and project management functions to ensure alignment with project specifications and timelines. In order to do so, responsibilities will include:
Develop detailed cost estimates for new and existing products, including:
- Material and hardware
- Machining, fabrication, and assembly labor
- Special processes (heat treat, coatings, NDT, welding, testing)
- Tooling, fixturing, and inspection
- Outside services and supplier quotes
Review and interpret complex mechanical drawings, specifications, 3D models, BOMs, and technical requirements.
Work closely with Engineering to validate manufacturability and identify design-to-cost opportunities.
Partner with Production and Operations leaders to understand shop routing, cycle times, capacity constraints, and process flow.
Collaborate with Supply Chain to obtain supplier quotes and assess cost drivers and lead times.
Support Program Managers and Business Development teams with technical insight during proposal preparation.
Build labor hour estimates based on manufacturing methods, part complexity, tolerances, and historical standards.
Evaluate alternative designs or manufacturing methods to reduce cost and improve manufacturability.
Maintain and refine cost models and estimating templates to support consistency and accuracy.
Prepare estimating packages, cost summaries, and basis-of-estimate documentation.
Participate in bid/no-bid discussions by evaluating risk, complexity, and resource requirements.
Support customer RFQ responses and pricing strategies to align with margin targets and competitive positioning.
Assist in negotiations with technical justification for cost elements.
Analyze actual vs. estimated costs and partner with operations to close gaps.
Recommend improvements in estimating accuracy, shop processes, or tooling strategies.
Contribute to lean manufacturing initiatives, value-stream optimization, and standard work development.
Other duties as assigned or required.
Qualifications
- Ability to conduct detailed research to support project cost estimations
- Communication and collaboration skills that rely on partnerships and expertise across functions (i.e. Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Account Management, Sales)
- Excellent 2D & 3D drawing interpretation skills along with a complete understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Experience with hands-on manufacturing environment, specifically in a machine shop that includes setup and operation of a diverse range of machine tools
- Effective negotiation skills to manage vendor and stakeholder agreements
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills
- Familiarity with relevant software tools used in estimation and project management is a plus
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Industrial Engineering or a related field is required
- Previous experience in estimation or a related role is highly desirable