Lead Estimator
Position Summary
RWCI is seeking an experienced and driven Lead Estimator to support our growing machining and fabrication operations. This role is responsible for leading the estimating function, preparing accurate and competitive cost proposals, supporting bid strategy, and ensuring alignment between engineering, production, purchasing, and leadership.
The Lead Estimator plays a critical role in securing profitable work while maintaining compliance within a regulated defense manufacturing environment. This position requires strong technical knowledge in machining, fabrication, welding, materials, vendor management, and ERP-based cost analysis.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Quoting
- Prepare accurate and timely cost estimates for machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, coatings, and general labor.
- Analyze customer RFQs, drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.
- Develop detailed cost breakdowns including:
- Material
- Outside processing (coating, paint, laser cutting, waterjet, machining vendors)
- Labor
- Tooling
- Freight
- Overhead and margin
- Submit formal quotations and support competitive bid strategies.
- Utilize customer portals (including Oracle systems) for bid submission and documentation.
- Maintain accurate estimating records within JobBOSS ERP.
Vendor & Supplier Coordination
- Request and evaluate supplier quotes for raw material and outside services.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with machining, coating, laser, waterjet, and specialty vendors.
- Negotiate pricing and delivery terms when appropriate.
- Collaborate with Purchasing to ensure alignment between quoted costs and production execution.
Technical Review
- Interpret and analyze blueprints, GD&T, and technical drawings.
- Evaluate manufacturability in collaboration with engineering and production.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through process improvements or alternate methods.
- Ensure material specifications and compliance requirements are accurately captured.
Material & Specification Expertise
Strong working knowledge of material substrates including:
Mild Steel (Sheet/Plate/Bar/Tube)
- ASTM A500
- ASTM A513
- ASTM A108
- ASTM A1011
- ASTM A36
- ASTM A572
- ASTM A656
- ASTM A514
Armor Steel
- MIL-DTL-46100
- MIL-DTL-12560 (Class 1 & 2)
Aluminum (All Tempers)
- ASTM 5052
- ASTM 6061
- ASTM 5083
- ASTM 5086
Aluminum Armor
- 5083-H131 (MIL-DTL-46027)
Leadership & Process Oversight
- Lead and standardize the estimating process at RWCI.
- Support training and development of estimating support staff (if applicable).
- Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Leadership.
- Participate in production meetings and planning discussions as needed.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to costing accuracy and workflow efficiency.
Systems & Documentation
- Utilize JobBOSS ERP for quoting, job costing, and data analysis.
- Maintain organized documentation of all bids and supporting data.
- Ensure estimating practices align with ISO 9001 quality management standards.
- Support audit readiness and traceability requirements as applicable.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5+ years of estimating experience in a contract manufacturing environment.
- Strong background in machining, fabrication, and welding operations.
- Proven leadership experience.
- Proficient in:
- JobBOSS ERP (or similar manufacturing ERP systems)
- Microsoft Excel (advanced formulas, cost modeling preferred)
- Microsoft Outlook & Word
- Customer portals (including Oracle-based systems)
- Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and specifications.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Experience requesting vendor quotes and managing supplier relationships.
Core Competencies
- Motivated with a “whatever it takes” attitude.
- Strong attention to detail and cost accuracy.
- Accountability-driven mindset suited for defense manufacturing.
- Excellent collaboration and cross-functional communication.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to balance competitiveness with profitability.
Reporting Structure
The Lead Estimator is a salary position and reports to RWCI's Vice President and works closely with Engineering, Purchasing, Production Leadership, and Sales to ensure strategic and profitable growth aligned with RWCI’s operational capabilities.
We offer premium pay with benefits, including Medical (BCBS), Dental, Paid Vacation Time, Life & Disability Insurance, FSA and 401K plan.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $52,000.00 - $73,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Cost management: 1 year (Preferred)
- Leadership: 1 year (Preferred)
- Manufacturing facility: 2 years (Preferred)
- Estimating / Quoting: 3 years (Preferred)
Shift availability:
Work Location: In person
