Manufacturing Cost Modeling Engineer

Imagine Your Day

It’s 8:30 a.m. in Glastonbury, CT. You open a new RFQ, study a 3D model and its GD&T callouts, and sketch a manufacturing route that balances precision with throughput. By noon, you’ve priced material, tooling, and outside processes, and aligned on labor hours with Production. In the afternoon, you refine a cost model, brief a Program Manager on pricing strategy, and close the loop by comparing actuals from a recent build to your original estimate—tightening assumptions for the next bid.

What You’ll Own

• Build comprehensive cost estimates for both new and repeat parts, covering:
  • Material and hardware
  • Machining, fabrication, and assembly labor
  • Special processes (heat treat, coatings, NDT, welding, testing)
  • Tooling, fixturing, and inspection
  • Outside services and supplier quotes
• Interpret complex mechanical drawings, specifications, 3D models, BOMs, and other technical data.
• Partner with Engineering to validate manufacturability and drive design-to-cost opportunities.
• Work with Production/Operations to confirm routings, cycle times, capacity constraints, and process flow.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to solicit supplier quotes, analyze cost drivers, and understand lead times.
• Support Program Management and Business Development with technical inputs during proposal development.
• Estimate labor hours from manufacturing methods, part complexity, tolerances, and historical standards.
• Propose alternate designs or methods that reduce cost and improve manufacturability.
• Maintain and enhance cost models and estimating templates for accuracy and consistency.
• Prepare estimating packages, cost summaries, and basis-of-estimate documentation.
• Contribute to bid/no-bid decisions by assessing risk, complexity, and resource requirements.
• Support RFQ responses and pricing strategies aligned to margin targets and competitive position.
• Assist in negotiations with technical rationale for cost elements.
• Analyze actual versus estimated costs and collaborate with Operations to close gaps.
• Recommend improvements to estimating accuracy, shop processes, and tooling strategies.
• Advance lean initiatives, value-stream optimization, and standard work development.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on machine shop experience, including setup and operation of a broad range of machine tools.
• Practical knowledge of machining, fabrication, assembly, and inspection methods.
• Proficiency in cost estimating, time studies, and/or manufacturing labor standards.
• Strong computer skills with Office 365; ERP proficiency (Epicor / Kinetic a plus).
• Ability to solve complex technical puzzles and connect engineering choices to cost, schedule, and value.
• Expert 2D/3D drawing interpretation and full command of GD&T.
• Exposure to AS9100, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement is a plus.
• Excellent cross-functional communication with Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Account Management, and Sales.

Tools & Proficiencies

• CAD and CAD/CAM software; blueprint reading
• ERP software
• Basic computer skills; Bachelor’s Degree
• AS9100 familiarity

Compliance

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All accepted applications must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee).