Estimation Engineer

Purpose

The Estimating Engineer will assume and discharge the responsibility for breaking down customer enquiries into Labour Hours, Material Values and Tooling Costs for the purpose of Quotations to Customers.

Context

The Commercial Department acts as the interface between customer requirements and internal capabilities, responsible for Quoting & Tendering, Contract Management & Negotiation Business Development Support and Profitability & Margin Management

The Estimator’s work underpins nearly all of these activities, forming the foundation of both strategic pricing and operational planning.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop and prepare accurate cost estimates for aerospace components, assemblies, and full systems based on engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Estimate Labour Hours and material costs, including tooling required for manufacturing components to customer’s requirements
• Analyse tender documents and identify key commercial and technical requirements
• Work closely with engineering, procurement, and production teams to gather cost and timing data, materials and AGS prices
• Identify key processes required for component manufacture, and highlighting areas of concern or lack of capability
• Work through BOM/Parts lists to quote assemblies
• Support the creation of bid and proposal documentation in line with customer timelines.
• Work closely with the Key Account Managers (KAM) to establish pricing strategies and ensure profitability, liaising with customer as determine by the KAM and Chief Commercial Officer
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and assess risks related to labour, materials, and subcontracting.
• Maintain and update estimating tools, cost databases, and historical pricing information.
• Participate in customer meetings and clarify scope and pricing assumptions when required.
• Support post-bid reviews and provide feedback for continuous improvement.

Experience and Capabilities

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar estimating or costing role within an aerospace, automotive, defence, or complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience using CAD software and Microsoft Excel proficient
• Demonstrated experience in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications
• Ability to understand the methods required to produce components
• Preferred Sheet metal, Machined, Composite and aircraft manufacturing experience
• Metal treatments and finishes including heat treatments, Alocrom, Anodise and paint
• Ability to understand plans, schedules & order books, with ability to read, understand procurement & planning documents i.e. PO’s, POD’s, GRN, MRP, SAP/Syspro
• Familiarity with UK MOD or international aerospace procurement processes.
• Knowledge of materials and processes relevant to aerospace manufacturing (e.g., CNC machining, composites, surface treatments).

Qualifications

• HNC/HND or Degree in Engineering or Manufacturing preferable, or a related qualification in a technical/commercial discipline.

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