Estimator

Job Title: Estimator

Job Description

The Estimator will analyze RFQs, blueprints, and specifications to evaluate manufacturability, develop accurate and competitive cost estimates, and support the quoting process in a CNC machining environment. This role combines technical machining knowledge, CAD skills, and strong analytical ability to determine optimal machining strategies, coordinate outside processes, and help drive profitable growth for a high-precision manufacturing operation.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs, blueprints, and specifications to assess manufacturability and overall job viability.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for labor, material, cycle time, and outside processing requirements.
• Determine optimal machining strategies using current and potential new CNC equipment to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
• Identify required outside processes and coordinate them effectively, communicating opportunities and risks with Sales and other key stakeholders.
• Create, refine, and maintain accurate cycle time estimates, updating them as revisions or engineering changes occur.
• Maintain and continuously improve cost libraries for tooling, inspection, and equipment to support consistent and reliable quoting.
• Utilize CAD tools, such as SolidWorks or similar software, to support quoting, process evaluation, and manufacturability reviews.
• Ensure all estimates are accurate, competitive, and delivered within required timelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across departments and leadership levels to gather necessary information and align on quoting strategies.
• Apply a quality-focused mindset and strong sense of urgency to meet tight deadlines and support business growth.
• Support estimating for new customers and new business opportunities, including work in aerospace and other high-precision markets.
• Use the ERP system to support estimating and quoting activities, ensuring data is captured and maintained accurately.

Essential Skills

• 2–5 years of experience in a CNC machining or manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with CNC machines and understanding their capabilities and limitations.
• Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, including speeds, feeds, tooling, and workholding.
• Experience estimating in a manufacturing setting, including for new customers and new business opportunities.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
• Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) is a plus.
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks or similar tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or equivalent productivity tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and leadership levels.
• High level of organization with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Quality-focused mindset with a strong sense of urgency.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Aerospace or high-precision manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with an ERP system; Epicor experience is a plus.
• Experience interpreting blueprints and technical specifications for complex components.
• Experience in industries requiring high precision and tight tolerances.
• Ability to contribute to the continuous improvement of cost libraries and estimating processes.
• Interest in supporting a growing company that is actively expanding and bringing in more business.
• Comfort working closely with Sales and other stakeholders to identify opportunities and refine quoting strategies.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in a machine shop environment, working directly within a CNC machining and high-precision manufacturing setting. You will regularly interact with production, engineering, and sales teams, and use tools such as CAD software, ERP systems, and standard office applications to perform your work. The environment is fast-paced and growth-oriented, with the organization focused on expanding its business and increasing capacity. You will be close to the shop floor and equipment, supporting real-world manufacturability assessments and process evaluations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Bloomington, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $75000.00/yr.

- Climate Controlled and super clean- 401k- PTO, Sick Leave- Average tenure is 10+ years- Life Insurance- Health, dental, vision, etc

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bloomington,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

cnc machining, cost estimation, cad software, solidworks, blueprint reading, erp systems, manufacturing process evaluation, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, microsoft office, tooling optimization, inspection, aerospace manufacturing, high-precision manufacturing, stakeholder management, analytical skills, attention to detail, Senior Estimator Pipeline & Estimating & Mechanical Bidding, Cost Engineer, Cost & Schedule & Controls Group Head, Team Lead - Project Management, Construction Controller, Architectural Draftsman, Cost & Schedule Engineer, Interior Designer & BIM modeller, Principal - Value Engineering, Structural Engineer - Commercial Building & Hospitality Project