Machining Estimator

Job Duties

The Machining Estimator prepares estimates for machined components, fabrication work, and larger projects. This role supports customer jobs from the initial inquiry through production and delivery.

Working under the guidance of Operations, the Machining Estimator reviews customer blueprints, material specifications, and RFQs to develop accurate quotes. This role also participates in customer site walk-throughs and helps ensure each bid includes accurate technical and pricing details.

What You’ll Do:

Assist in preparing estimates, quotes, and proposals for multi-discipline projects, including raw material, setup and machine time, labor, tooling, outside processing (e.g., heat treat, plating, coating), subcontractors, travel, and other project costs.

Review customer requests, RFQs, blueprints, drawings, and material specifications with guidance from senior estimators. Identify project requirements and document assumptions, clarifications, and exclusions.

Interpret blueprints and engineering drawings, including dimensions, tolerances, GD&T callouts, surface finish requirements, and drawing notes, to assess manufacturability and identify cost drivers.

Develop machining process routings and estimate setup and cycle times for CNC milling, turning, drilling, grinding, welding/fabrication, and other machining operations.

Identify material grades, forms, and stock sizes from material specifications (e.g., ASTM, AISI/SAE, AMS) and calculate material requirements, yield, and cost.

Request material, outside-processing, vendor, and subcontractor quotes and help compare pricing and scope coverage for review by senior estimators.

Maintain estimating tools, pricing databases, and cost models, including machine hourly rates, material pricing, and standard setup and cycle times.

Schedule and participate in bid meetings with division leaders, Sales, Operations, machine shop, engineering, and quality resources, and help track action items and contributions.

Gather input from internal teams, vendors, and subcontractors to support preliminary project schedules, material lead times, and machine capacity and resource requirements.

Participate in pre-sale site walk-throughs with customers and senior team members to evaluate project scope, site access, safety hazards, outage requirements, clearances, and components requiring repair, reverse engineering, or replacement.

Ensure proposals include required documentation, such as material certifications and inspection or quality requirements (e.g., first-article inspection), and comply with customer requirements and internal approval processes.

Prepare handoff packages for awarded projects, including scope, pricing, process routings, material requirements, assumptions, exclusions, schedules, and subcontractor commitments.

The Experience We’re Looking For:

3+ years of hands-on experience as a machinist (CNC and/or manual), machining estimator, or manufacturing engineer in a machine shop, job shop, or industrial manufacturing environment.

Understanding of machining processes (CNC milling, turning, drilling, grinding, and fabrication), including setups, workholding, and tooling, and how material, cycle times, and labor drive project costs.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings, including dimensions, tolerances, GD&T, and surface finish callouts, as well as bid documents.

Working knowledge of common metals (e.g., carbon and alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass) and their effect on machinability and cost.

Awareness of machine shop and field safety practices and common job-site hazards.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.

Good organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Clear verbal and written communication skills, with a customer-focused attitude.

Proficiency with precision measuring instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers, bore and height gauges).

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Eagerness to learn, take direction, and grow within a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

RMS Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe diverse teams drive better outcomes, and we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and empowered.

Minimum Education Required

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Machine Tool Technology, or a related field, or a completed machinist apprenticeship/journeyman card (or equivalent experience).

Minimum Experience Required

3+ years of hands-on experience as a machinist, machining estimator, or manufacturing engineer. Ability to travel up to 15% throughout the continental USA.

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Compensation

$

Postal Code

56345

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

1358

Job Benefits

We’re not just another power services company. We’re a tight-knit, mission-driven team that values safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous growth.

Competitive Compensation – Overtime potential and merit-based raises

Full Benefits – Medical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid for employees, starting the month after hire

Steady Employment & Career Growth – Be part of a fast-growing company with promotion potential

401(k) with Company Match – Traditional & Roth options + free investment guidance

Top-Tier Equipment – Provided to support you in the field

Compensated Travel Time plus Per Diem – Earn while seeing new places

Education Support – Paid training, certifications, and industry memberships

Generous PTO – Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave

Employee Assistance Program – Legal, financial, and mental wellness support