Manufacturing Estimator – Aerospace & Defense

About Waltonen Group
Waltonen Engineering and Independence Tooling Solutions operate together as part of the Waltonen Group family of companies. Waltonen Engineering provides engineering, design, processing, simulation, and technical services, while Independence Tooling Solutions provides CNC machining, fabrication, tooling, fixture building, welding, and mechanical assembly. Together, our teams support automotive, aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing programs from concept and engineering through build and completion.

About the Role
Independence Tooling Solutions is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Estimator to drive quotation strategy, cost analysis, and proposal development for complex tooling, fixture, machining, defense, aerospace, and custom manufacturing projects. This role serves as a key technical leader responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable quotations while helping shape bid strategy and project selection. 

Job Responsibilities

• Perform accurate estimating for project costs and timelines to ensure financial goals are met.
• Meet and exceed company financial goals.
• Participate in customer meetings as required.
• Collaborate with managers to prepare and review quotes.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all quotes and quote check-off lists.
• Review and approve contracts.
• Authorize shop order numbers for new projects.
• Coordinate with project managers to ensure smooth project execution.
• Assign tasks to managers for revisions and authorize change revision numbers.
• Coordinate support documents with administration for revisions.
• Gather and organize all affected drawings, sketches, and notes for revisions.
• Prepare customer forms and invoicing packages for administration.
• Ensure affected drawings are ready for shipping.
• Demonstrate the ability to understand and work with complex mechanisms.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing techniques and procedures, including fixture build and CNC machining.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Skilled in using Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to work from blueprints, written documentation, or electronic media.
• Strong analytical skills to understand customer requirements and select alternate solutions.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed and adapt to fluctuating workloads.
• Knowledge of welding and mechanics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in machine and tool procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with tooling and fixture quoting.
• Experience with Paperless Parts is a plus.
• Experience in industries such as defense, aerospace, and government.