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Project Estimator – Manufacturing Engineer


Job Location:

Chicago, IL - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 80000 - 120000
Posted: 14 August 2026 (23 days ago)
Application Deadline: 11 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Project Estimator Manufacturing Engineer
Job Overview

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer with expertise in precision machining to lead our estimating function. This is a strategic technical role for a professional who combines shop-floor knowledge with the ability to develop accurate manufacturing estimates and practical production plans. The ideal candidate will drive manufacturing accuracy efficiency and profitability through expert process planning cost estimation and collaboration with engineering and production teams.

This position requires a technically strong professional who understands precision machining and CNC operations confidently reads blueprints and GD&T has hands-on welding and fabrication knowledge accurately calculates machining times and leverages AutoCAD or SolidWorks to support effective manufacturing estimates and production planning.

Key Responsibilities
  • Review blueprints engineering drawings CAD models and GD&T requirements.
  • Determine manufacturing methods and develop process plans for CNC milling turning grinding and inspection.
  • Calculate setup and machining cycle times particularly for milling and turning.
  • Estimate labor materials tooling machining and production costs.
  • Evaluate outside processing such as heat treating plating and specialty coatings.
  • Identify manufacturing risks involving tolerances GD&T materials and tooling.
  • Prepare accurate estimates for custom and precision-machined components.
  • Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure estimates are practical and manufacturable.
  • Improve estimating accuracy manufacturability and quoting efficiency.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelors or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent technical discipline).
  • Hands-on manufacturing or machine shop experience in a precision machining or custom manufacturing environment
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
  • Strong blueprint and GD&T interpretation skills.
  • Knowledge of welding and fabrication including fabrication prints.
  • Strong experience with CNC machining and machine setup.
  • CNC programming or manufacturing process development experience.
  • Experience calculating machining setup and cycle times for milling and turning.
  • Strong analytical organizational communication and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Mastercam or other CAM programming experience.
  • Custom manufacturing estimating experience
  • Ability to develop accurate cost and labor estimates.
  • Experience setting up and operating various manufacturing tools includingmilling and turning equipment.
  • Experience estimating custom short-run or precision-machined components.
  • Knowledge of job costing routing and machine shop quoting.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing ERP/MRP systems.
  • Experience with large or complex machined parts.
Compensation

$80000$120000 per year based on experience technical skills and education.

Benefits:
  • Medical vision and optional dental insurance
  • Two weeks of paid time off
  • Paid major holidays
  • Annual bonus and profit-sharing opportunities
  • On-site parking