Threadlock Precision is seeking a Manufacturing Estimator / Quoting Specialist at our Kremin, Inc. business located in Frankenmuth, Michigan. As an Estimator / Quoting Specialist, you will develop accurate and competitive quotes for precision-machined components. This position will review customer requests for quote, engineering drawings, specifications, models and related technical information to determine how parts can be manufactured and what it will cost to produce them.
As part of the quoting process, you will evaluate machining requirements, materials, tooling, setup time, cycle time, outside processing, inspection and other cost drivers. In this role, you will work closely with customers, sales, engineering, programming, purchasing, quality and operations to ensure quotations reflect customer requirements, available manufacturing capabilities and appropriate business considerations.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of CNC machining and the ability to translate technical requirements into practical manufacturing processes, accurate cost estimates and timely customer quotations.
Essential Responsibilities
RFQ Review and Quotation Development
- Review customer requests for quotation, engineering drawings, specifications, CAD models, purchase requirements and other supporting documentation.
- Evaluate part geometry, tolerances, materials, quantities, finishes, inspection requirements and delivery expectations.
- Identify missing, unclear or conflicting information and coordinate with the customer or appropriate internal team members to resolve questions.
- Determine whether opportunities align with Kremin’s equipment, technical capabilities, capacity and business objectives.
- Prepare complete, accurate and timely quotations for new and repeat production opportunities.
- Maintain documentation supporting quoted assumptions, costs, pricing and lead times.
Manufacturing Process and Cost Estimating
- Develop preliminary manufacturing plans and routings for precision-machined components.
- Determine appropriate CNC machining processes, equipment, workholding, tooling and manufacturing sequence.
- Estimate programming, setup, machining, inspection and other labor requirements.
- Calculate expected machine cycle times based on part features, materials, tolerances, quantities and manufacturing methods.
- Estimate raw-material requirements, including material type, size, yield, scrap and purchasing considerations.
- Identify tooling, fixturing, gauges or other nonrecurring requirements necessary to manufacture the part.
- Obtain and incorporate pricing for heat treatment, plating, coating, grinding, testing, special processes and other outside services.
- Include packaging, freight, quality documentation and other customer-specific requirements when applicable.
- Apply established labor rates, machine rates, overhead, margin and other pricing assumptions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work with manufacturing engineering, CNC programming and operations to validate process assumptions and production feasibility.
- Coordinate with purchasing and suppliers to obtain current material, tooling and outside-processing costs.
- Partner with quality personnel to understand inspection, documentation, certification and customer-specific quality requirements.
- Collaborate with sales and leadership to review pricing, risk, capacity, delivery commitments and strategic considerations.
- Participate in quote reviews for technically complex, high-value or higher-risk opportunities.
- Support the transition of awarded work from quotation into planning, programming and production.
Quote Analysis and Continuous Improvement
- Compare quoted assumptions with actual production results, including material usage, setup time, cycle time, outside-processing costs and profitability.
- Identify significant quote-to-actual variances and recommend adjustments to future estimating practices.
- Maintain estimating data, standard rates, supplier pricing, historical production information and quote templates.
- Help improve the accuracy, consistency and response time of the quotation process.
- Identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs through alternate materials, tooling, workholding, equipment or process improvements.
- Maintain organized records of quotations, revisions, customer communications and supporting cost information.
- Monitor open quotations and provide requested follow-up information to sales, customers and leadership.
Basic Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- At least three (3) years of experience in CNC machining, programming, manufacturing engineering, process planning, quoting or cost estimating within manufacturing. Estimating
Preferred Qualifications (in addition to Basic Qualifications)
- Experience using ERP, quoting, estimating, CAD or CAM systems preferred.
- Experience quoting work for aerospace, defense or other highly regulated industry with knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 manufacturing environments.
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional internal teams and external customers.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing methods and related cost drivers, including material, labor, machining, tooling, inspection, and outside processing, with the ability to estimate setup, machining, and processing time.
- Ability to develop competitive estimates while appropriately considering manufacturing risk and profitability.
- Strong problem solving and judgment skills when working with incomplete, changing, or unclear information.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple RFQs and deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, estimating/quoting software, and standard business applications.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
