Machining Estimator

🔍 At a glance
Company: Confidential — established contract manufacturer, Northwest Houston, TX
Location: Northwest Houston, TX 77041
Pay: $35–$45 per hour, DOE
Job Type: Full Time
Shift: Day shift, 40 hours/week
Experience: Mid-career, 2+ years in CNC manufacturing, estimating, or a related technical role

Why this job is worth considering

This is an opportunity to move from the shop floor into a quoting and estimating role with a well-established contract manufacturer that machines, fabricates, and assembles parts under one roof. A senior estimator is available to train the right candidate, so prior estimating experience is a plus but not a requirement — a strong background in CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, or a similar technical trade is the more important qualification. The role sits at the center of how new work is won and planned, working directly with customers, engineering, and the shop floor on every quote.

What you'll be doing

• Manage the quoting process for CNC milling, turning, routing, weldments, and fully machined components using quoting and ERP software
• Interpret customer drawings, 3D models, specifications, and GD&T requirements to evaluate manufacturability
• Estimate material, machining, labor, setup, tooling, and outside-processing costs while identifying cost drivers and risks
• Determine efficient manufacturing methods, equipment requirements, production processes, and realistic lead times
• Lead new project kick-offs, aligning production requirements and shop-floor expectations with quoted assumptions
• Work with customers, engineering, sales, project management, production, and vendors to clarify requirements and support execution
• Document quoting assumptions, track estimated versus actual costs, and identify ways to improve efficiency and profitability

What we're looking for

Required

• Experience in CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, or cost estimating
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T
• Knowledge of CNC milling, turning, routing, and fabrication processes
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, custom manufacturing environment

Preferred

• Experience estimating machining cycle times, setup requirements, materials, and tooling
• Proficiency with ERP systems, quoting software, and preferably CAD/CAM
• Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
• Experience with sheet metal fabrication processes, including laser cutting, bending, and forming, and related cost estimating

Pay, benefits and schedule

$35–$45 per hour depending on experience, 40 hours per week, day shift.

About the company and apply

This employer is an established, multi-discipline contract manufacturer based in Northwest Houston, Texas, turning out machined, fabricated, and assembled components for industries including oil and gas, aerospace and defense, medical and scientific instruments, electronics, and industrial equipment, all under one roof from prototype through production. The employer is remaining confidential at this stage of the search.

To apply, submit your resume through hireCNC. Applications are reviewed by hireCNC's recruiting team on the employer's behalf.