Manufacturing Cost Engineer, Precision Machining

What your day looks like in Glastonbury, CT

You start by opening a new RFQ for a complex mechanical assembly. With prints, 3D models, and a BOM at hand, you translate design intent into real manufacturing steps, shaping a cost story that helps our team bid competitively and deliver profitably. By midday, you’re on the shop floor validating cycle times and routings; in the afternoon, you’re collaborating with Engineering on design-to-cost ideas and Supply Chain on supplier quotes and lead times. Before you sign off, you finalize a basis-of-estimate and cost summary that positions the proposal for success.

Impact you’ll have

As the go-to expert on cost, you’ll blend engineering judgment, manufacturing know‑how, and analytics to produce accurate estimates, inform bid/no‑bid decisions, and support margin targets across our portfolio.

What you’ll do

• Build complete cost estimates for new and repeat parts, covering materials, hardware, machining, fabrication, assembly labor, special processes (heat treat, coatings, NDT, welding, testing), tooling/fixturing/inspection, and outside services with supplier quotations.
• Interpret complex 2D/3D drawings, specifications, models, and BOMs; apply strong GD&T understanding to determine manufacturing approach and tolerance impacts.
• Partner with Engineering to confirm manufacturability and surface design-to-cost opportunities.
• Work with Production/Operations to understand shop routings, cycle times, capacity constraints, and overall process flow.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to collect competitive quotes, identify cost drivers, and plan for lead times.
• Support Program Management and Business Development with technical inputs during proposal development.
• Create labor-hour estimates based on methods, complexity, and historical standards.
• Evaluate alternative designs and methods to reduce cost and improve manufacturability.
• Maintain/refine cost models and templates for consistent, accurate estimating.
• Prepare estimating packages, cost summaries, and detailed basis-of-estimate documentation.
• Contribute to bid/no-bid decisions via risk, complexity, and resource assessments.
• Support customer RFQs and pricing strategies aligned to margin targets and competitive positioning.
• Assist in negotiations with clear technical justification of cost elements.
• Analyze variances between estimated and actual costs; partner with Operations to close gaps.
• Recommend process, tooling, and estimating improvements; contribute to lean, value stream optimization, and standard work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

What you bring

• Bachelor’s in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on manufacturing background in a machine shop, including setup and operation of diverse machine tools.
• Working knowledge of machining, fabrication, assembly, and inspection methods.
• Proficiency in cost estimating, time studies, and/or labor standards.
• Strong Office 365 skills; ERP experience (Epicor/Kinetic preferred).
• Proven ability to solve complex technical problems and connect engineering choices to cost, schedule, and value.
• Excellent 2D/3D interpretation with solid GD&T expertise.
• Familiarity with AS9100, lean, and continuous improvement is a plus.
• Collaborative communicator able to partner across Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Account Management, and Sales.
  
  

Tools & tech

• ERP Software (e.g., Epicor/Kinetic)
• CAD and CAD/CAM platforms
  
  

Proficiencies

• Bachelor’s Degree
• CAD Software and CAD/CAM Software
• AS9100 familiarity
• Blueprint reading
• Basic computer skills
  
  

Compliance

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All accepted applications must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee).