Estimator / Project Manager in Poway

Job DescriptionJob Description

Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze customer RFQs and technical drawings to develop detailed cost estimates covering internal machining time (Wire EDM, Sinker EDM, CNC milling/turning), setup, programming labor, tooling, and shop routing

• Evaluate and source material costs (tool steel, carbide, titanium, Inconel, and other exotic alloys commonly used in EDM applications) and outside services (heat treatment, plating, grinding, inspection)

• Manage complex jobs involving 8 or more distinct operations and setups — coordinating scheduling, and internal capacity across multiple departments

• Prepare and submit customer quotations; negotiate pricing and lead times with customers

• Issue shop travelers, work orders, and routing documents; monitor job progress against schedule and budget

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers throughout the production cycle

• Identify and communicate schedule risks, cost overruns, and engineering changes in a timely manner

• Maintain accurate records in the company ERP/MRP system for all active quotes and orders

• Conduct post-job cost analysis to compare estimated vs. actual hours and costs, and use results to improve future estimating accuracy

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in cost estimating and/or project management specifically in a precision machining, EDM, or aerospace/defense manufacturing environment — general manufacturing or construction estimating experience does not qualify

• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings including GD&T per ASME Y14.5, material specifications, and machining process plans

• Proven experience estimating multi-operation machining jobs (8 or more operations) involving EDM, CNC milling, turning, grinding, and outside services

• Experience calculating machining cycle times, setup times, and tooling costs from first principles — not solely relying on estimating software defaults

• Familiarity with exotic and aerospace-grade materials (tool steel, titanium, Inconel, carbide) and their impact on machining costs and lead times

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems for order management and production tracking

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for direct customer interaction throughout the project lifecycle

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects under deadline pressure without supervisory oversight

Company DescriptionWe are a full capacity precision machining company. Our capabilities support all facets of fabrication from expedited turnaround of precision prototypes to high volume production; this includes miniature parts requiring sub-fractional tolerances. Our Engineering team will provide assistance with the customer’s project challenges by using best practices for manufacturability.Company DescriptionWe are a full capacity precision machining company. Our capabilities support all facets of fabrication from expedited turnaround of precision prototypes to high volume production; this includes miniature parts requiring sub-fractional tolerances. Our Engineering team will provide assistance with the customer’s project challenges by using best practices for manufacturability.