Assistant Estimator

The Assistant Estimator supports the full estimating and quoting lifecycle for precision machining and aviation-related manufacturing projects. This role focuses on managing RFQ intake, coordinating with suppliers, compiling and submitting accurate proposals, and ensuring compliant handling of defense-related technical data. The Assistant Estimator plays a key role in meeting strict customer deadlines, maintaining data integrity, and enabling a smooth transition from quote to production in a fast-paced, small manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Receive, review, and organize incoming Request for Quote (RFQ) packages, clearly identifying all delivery requirements and defense-specific specifications for internal estimating review.
• Distribute RFQ packages to approved suppliers for raw materials and outside special processes, including heat treatment, plating, and specialized defense-related testing.
• Proactively follow up with vendors to collect complete pricing and lead-time information in time to meet internal schedules and customer RFQ deadlines.
• Compile, aggregate, and organize supplier quotes into a standardized format for final review and approval by the Estimating Manager.
• Prepare and format final proposals in the customer’s required structure, including Excel templates and secure online portals, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Prioritize all estimating and submittal activities based strictly on customer due dates to achieve 100% on-time delivery of quotes.
• Submit finalized quotes directly to customers or route them to the appropriate salesperson for delivery, following internal communication protocols.
• Conduct systematic follow-ups on submitted quotes to confirm receipt, gather feedback, and obtain updates on award status.
• Prepare comprehensive data packages and transfer them to the Planning Department for manufacturing review, process validation, and production readiness.
• Accurately enter awarded orders into the internal system, ensuring all customer-specific quality, aviation, and defense requirements are correctly captured to initiate production.
• Manage and protect technical data and defense-related information in strict accordance with ITAR and EAR regulations, ensuring compliant handling and distribution.
• Maintain organized, traceable records for every bid, clearly linking customer requests, supplier pricing, and final proposals for audit and reference purposes.
• Support and uphold key performance indicators, including 100% on-time RFQ response, timely supplier coordination, zero discrepancies between quoted terms and system-entered orders, and zero violations related to controlled technical data.

• At least 2 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in a machining or production environment.
• A minimum of 2 years of planning and estimating experience in manufacturing and aviation.
• At least 1 year of experience in aviation or aviation production environments.
• Practical experience with estimation in a manufacturing context, including compiling and analyzing supplier quotes.
• Familiarity with machining processes and terminology sufficient to understand RFQs and supplier proposals.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure zero discrepancies between quoted terms and system-entered orders.
• Ability to prioritize tasks based on customer due dates and manage multiple RFQs simultaneously to meet strict deadlines.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and templates, particularly for formatting and submitting quotes in Excel or similar tools.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain traceable, well-structured bid and document records.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and customers.
• Commitment to strictly follow ITAR and EAR requirements and to handle controlled technical data with care and discretion.

• Experience working in a machine shop or precision machining environment.
• Background in aviation or defense-related manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with outside special processes such as heat treatment, plating, and specialized testing.
• Experience working with secure online customer portals for quote submission.
• Understanding of basic key performance indicators related to estimating, such as on-time performance and order accuracy.
• Interest in growing into more advanced estimating or planning responsibilities within a manufacturing organization.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a small team and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

This position is fully onsite in a machining shop within a smaller company of approximately 25 employees, offering a close-knit, team-oriented environment. You will work closely with estimating, planning, production, and sales personnel, supporting aviation and defense-related manufacturing projects. The role involves regular use of computers, spreadsheets, internal business systems, and secure online customer portals. The shop environment includes typical machining operations, with corresponding noise levels and activity, and requires comfort working in a production-oriented setting. The position starts on a contract-to-hire basis, with the opportunity to transition to direct employment and access to comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, and paid holidays.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 17, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.