Senior Technical Estimator - Precision Machining and Metal Fabrication
Job Title
Senior Technical Estimator - Precision Machining and Metal Fabrication
Department
Integrated Solutions Group (ISG)
Reports To
VP of Business Development
Location
7865 Northcourt Rd Ste 100 Houston, TX 77040
Effective/Revision Date
6/2026
Role Purpose
The Senior Technical Estimator - Precision Machining and Metal Fabrication prepares accurate, competitive, and manufacturable estimates for new and existing precision-machined components, with a strong focus on aerospace and AS9100-related opportunities. This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports; approximately 85% of the position is focused on estimating, quoting, cost modeling, print review, and technical evaluation of customer requirements.
CNC precision machining remains the primary focus; however, this position may support assembly and metal fabrication estimates from time to time across ISG. The role requires high-level knowledge of CNC machining, tight tolerances, GD&T, materials, cost drivers, inspection requirements, and AS9100 expectations.
Scope & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
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Estimating & Quoting: Own assigned estimates and prepare quotations for new and existing part numbers, including material, CNC machine time, setup time, tooling, fixtures, inspection, secondary operations, outside services, packaging, freight, and other cost elements. Machining is the primary priority; assembly and metal fabrication support may be required as needed.
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Technical Print & Model Review: Review customer drawings, CAD models, specifications, purchase requirements, and technical documentation to evaluate manufacturability, tolerances, GD&T, surface finishes, materials, inspection needs, and key cost drivers.
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Precision Machining Expertise: Apply advanced working knowledge of CNC machining, tight-tolerance production, fixturing, setup strategy, machine capability, tooling selection, cycle time, materials, finishing requirements, and inspection methods.
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AS9100 & Aerospace Requirements: Apply strong working knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace expectations, including risk-based thinking, configuration control, traceability, documented requirements, special processes, supplier flow-downs, first article inspection, and objective evidence.
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Design for Manufacturability Reviews: Identify machining challenges, tolerance stack-up concerns, tooling or fixture needs, inspection constraints, material or supplier risks, and opportunities to improve cost, quality, or production feasibility.
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Assembly & Metal Fabrication Estimate Support: Support assembly and metal fabrication estimates from time to time by reviewing requirements, supplier input, labor assumptions, material considerations, outside services, and cost drivers.
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Customer & Business Development Support: Support customer calls, technical reviews, and proposal discussions by explaining assumptions, clarifying requirements, communicating ISG capabilities, and helping Business Development respond to customer questions.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Business Development, CNC operations, engineering, quality, finance, purchasing, production, and suppliers to validate assumptions, confirm feasibility, obtain input, and develop competitive proposals.
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Cost Driver Analysis: Evaluate material utilization, cycle time, setup complexity, tooling, inspection burden, outside services, lot size, yield risk, documentation requirements, supplier capabilities, capacity, material pricing, and competitive factors that may impact pricing.
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Quote Assumptions & Project Handoff: Document estimate assumptions, cost basis, machining strategy, inspection requirements, customer requirements, AS9100 considerations, known risks, quote history, supplier inputs, and handoff information.
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Estimating Tools & Process Improvement: Help maintain and improve estimating tools, templates, cost models, procedures, and standards for consistent and accurate quoting across ISG opportunities.
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Travel & Relationship Building: Travel as needed, generally 10% to 25%, to support customer meetings, technical reviews, ISG collaboration, supplier visits, and business development activities.
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Compliance & Quality: Perform assigned duties in accordance with documented procedures, work instructions, customer requirements, AS9100 expectations, and applicable quality system requirements.
Work Experience & Skills
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent precision machining, estimating, CNC manufacturing, or industry experience may be considered.
Experience: Minimum 5 to 8 years of experience in precision machining, CNC manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, estimating, quoting, technical sales support, or a related industrial/manufacturing role. Aerospace or AS9100-regulated precision machining experience is strongly preferred. Exposure to metal fabrication, assembly estimating, medical devices, injection molding, tooling, or other precision manufacturing environments is valuable.
High-level understanding of technical drawings, CAD models, GD&T, tolerances, materials, CNC machining processes, cost estimation, inspection requirements, first article considerations, and design for manufacturability principles. Ability to evaluate complex machined parts, identify manufacturability and compliance risks, support assembly or metal fabrication estimates when needed, and communicate technical and commercial information clearly.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM systems, estimating tools, ERP systems, and the ability to review CAD models, prints, and technical documentation. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple estimates, deadlines, customer priorities, and documentation expectations in AS9100 or other controlled manufacturing environments.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Work environment: Indoor office environment with protection from weather, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Hybrid or remote arrangements may be considered based on business needs.
Physical or operational requirements: Sedentary Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly. Requires close visual acuity for reading, technical documentation, customer drawings, CAD models, and computer work. Travel expectation is approximately 10% to 25%.
Compliance Statements
Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran
