Engineering Cost Estimator

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for an Senior Engineering Cost Estimator.  This position is onsite at our San Diego North location. Facility located at 7919 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. 

Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. This position is located in our San Diego North office and reports to our Estimating Manager.

Position Summary:

As a Senior Engineering Cost Estimator, you will develop precise, competitive Firm Fixed Price (FFP) estimates for build-to-print aerospace composite hardware. This role involves analyzing blueprints, CAD models, and customer specifications to determine manufacturing requirements while collaborating with internal teams to gather cost inputs. You will refine estimates by monitoring awarded jobs, incorporating real-time performance insights, and assessing risks to improve future quotes.

Essential Functions:

• Develop detailed cost estimates and proposals for composite aircraft hardware based on customer RFQs and RFPs.
• Analyze blueprints, CAD models, parts lists, and specifications to determine manufacturing requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, and subcontractors to gather cost inputs, including materials, labor, tooling, and outside services.
• Estimate labor hours and material costs for engineering and manufacturing tasks, establishing key assumptions, basis of estimate (BOE), learning curves, and risk factors such as scrap, rework, and warranty.
• Work closely with project engineers and procurement to develop a consolidated, priced bill of materials (BOM).
• Create rough process routers or statements of work (SOW) to outline manufacturing steps and ensure accurate cost estimates.
• Monitor awarded jobs to refine estimating processes, incorporating real-time performance insights and risk assessments.
• Document and communicate estimate details to ensure a seamless transition from quoting to manufacturing.
• Apply Rock West Composites’ cost estimating processes and metrics to develop competitive quotes.
• Act as a strategic advisor in cost estimating, resolving customer inquiries, identifying issues, and driving innovative solutions to complex estimating challenges.

Non-Essential:

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Composites, Materials & Process, or related field).
• Minimum of 3 years in cost estimating and proposal development for composite manufacturing, preferably within the aerospace industry.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD models to assess manufacturing requirements.
• Proficiency in manufacturing cost analysis, including materials, labor, tooling, and supplier quotes.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and refine estimating processes based on real-time performance insights.
• Experience with SAP and NetSuite
•  Ability to work independently and in a team environment is essential

Perks and Benefits: 

• 100% Employer Paid Medical and Dental 
• Annual Bonus 
• 401K - 5% match
  
• Employee Stocks Option Program 
• 9/80 work schedule
• 8- paid Holidays 
  
• PTO: Max. 4-weeks after 5 years of employment 
• $2,500 tuition reimbursement 

Compensation:

The pay range for this position falls within $85,000 to $105,000. The final compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset,  and other factors permitted by law.

Why should you want to work with us?

At Rock West Composites, we care about our employees! We offer exceptional benefits to our full-time team members, including 100% employer-paid Medical & Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, and a 401K match. Plus, you'll thrive in our fun and friendly working environment!

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. Due to nature of defense contracts, US Citizenship is a requirement. As part of our Drug and Alcohol Policy, upon acceptance of any offer of employment, employment will be conditional of passing a required drug test and employee will become part of the random drug testing.

Accessibility:

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact us at 858-537-6260

Salary : $85,000 - $105,000