Cost Estimator

About RTC Aerospace:

RTC Aerospace integrates precision manufacturing facilities across the West Coast, each offering exceptional cellular manufacturing capabilities and unique engineered solutions tailored to our clients' designed products. We provide precision manufacturing solutions from raw materials to finished products, ensuring compliance with clients' design specifications. All RTC Aerospace locations hold AS9100 certification and operate independently.

Your Role and Impact:

Our Manufacturing Department, comprising Operators, Machinists, and Programmers, transforms raw materials into finished products with exacting tolerances. This team collaborates with various departments, including Quality, Engineering, and Operations, to deliver high-quality outcomes. The Cost Estimator will strategically manage and coordinate the estimating function across Quality, Materials, Engineering, Planning, Manufacturing, Financial, and Sales departments. This role requires a systematic approach to estimating, focusing on accuracy, continuous improvement, and the evolution of job knowledge. The Cost Estimator will analyze blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare cost estimates for parts, sub-assemblies, raw materials, labor, and external processing, contributing to the company's success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Full-time position at our Fife, Washington location.
• Preferred working hours are Monday – Friday, 8am-4:30pm, with potential for other shifts.
• Responsible for generating the most accurate cost estimates upon receipt of RFQs and managing profit discussions until final submission to the sales team.
• Oversee the costing feedback loop to ensure estimates are accurately compared to actual project costs, enhancing future bid accuracy.
• Utilize drawings and specifications from customer RFQs to determine labor, material, and process hour estimates for detailed parts, assemblies, and tooling.
• Collaborate with the Materials department for quotes from external suppliers for parts, materials, hardware, standards, and surface processes.
• Enhance profitability through value engineering suggestions and market condition insights to identify new business opportunities.
• Maintain historical databases for core competencies and typical products.
• Prepare data for reports, presentations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop, modify, and uphold policies, processes, procedures, and performance metrics related to the estimating function.
• Comply with all workplace safety guidelines, policies, and regulations set by the company and authorities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines.
• Team-oriented with a positive attitude.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five years of estimating experience in the aerospace manufacturing sector.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, quality control, production, inventory control, and AS9100 standards.

Education and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints and specifications, including Catia and Enovia.
• Knowledgeable about customer RFQ document types and terminology.
• Extensive understanding of various materials, hardware, tooling, machining, assembly, heat treatment testing, and related external processes.
• Familiar with cost estimating methods, from detailed part bids to large-scale quotations.
• Strong project management, time management, business, and financial skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities to interact with inter-departmental staff, including senior management.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications and MRP systems.
• Typing speed of 30 WPM.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

• Lift or move up to 50 lbs.
• Reach forward, up, down, and to the side to handle equipment.
• Stand and walk continuously throughout the workday.
• Use hands and arms to manipulate, handle, or feel materials.
• Access, input, and retrieve information from a computer.

Work Environment:

A significant portion of work time is spent in a machine shop with varying temperatures. The environment may also include exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and coolant vapors. Industry-standard safety equipment is provided, and specific notices are posted in areas where safety equipment is required.

Compensation and Benefits:

Employee Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, long-term disability, and a 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match.

Compensation Range: The Cost Estimator compensation range for onsite applicants in Washington is $73,500 - $84,000, based on experience. Some shifts may include differential pay rates. Compensation ranges may vary at other locations.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position must comply with Export Control requirements, thus a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § is required.

RTC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation: Applicants wishing to receive information on RTC's Affirmative Action Plans or requiring reasonable accommodation to participate in the application and/or interview process should contact the RTC Human Resources Department.