Cost Estimator, CNC - Defense and Commercial Manufacturing
Client is looking for a candidate who has skills in CNC machining. They will take somebody who has been a machinist looking to get into cost estimating, but previous estimating experience would be ideal.
Job Description
Join a dynamic contract manufacturing house as a Project Manager, where you will support a growing pipeline of defense work and enhance job execution throughput. This role requires a defense-background with estimating experience to manage the complete manufacturing lifecycle, from initial job requests to final delivery. You will work closely with key internal stakeholders to ensure seamless transitions from quoting to completed builds.
Responsibilities
Take ownership of projects once opportunities/job requests are received.
Support the estimating process where needed.
Coordinate the full manufacturing lifecycle through the shop, including planning steps, routing, internal processing, outsourced operations, materials ordering, quality documentation, and delivery requirements.
Interface directly with key internal stakeholders, including the owner and the estimating/sales lead.
Help the team move from quote to released jobs to completed builds with minimal friction.
Essential Skills
Experience in manufacturing project management in a job shop or contract manufacturing environment.
Experience with estimating/quoting defense work or heavy manufacturing quoting with defense exposure.
Ability to interpret customer needs and translate them into internal steps, routings, and execution plans.
Strong coordination skills across purchasing/material ordering, production scheduling/shop priorities, supplier management, and quality documentation/inspection requirements.
Proficiency in estimation, blueprint reading, GD&T, machining, ERP software, and materials management.
Strong communication skills to ensure key stakeholders are informed at each stage.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Comfortable in a hands-on, fast-moving environment with minimal bureaucracy.
Experience level should be competent and able to ramp up quickly without the necessity of 15-20 years of experience.
Ability to collaborate across estimating/sales, shop floor leaders, quality, purchasing, and ownership.
Work Environment
Work in a manufacturing/job shop setting with approximately 25 employees. Handle low volume/high mix work such as custom structures and assemblies, with a mix of approximately 40% defense and 60% commercial work. The environment involves a variety of tasks, including assemblies/structures, sheet metal, machining, and automation/tooling division exposure. Expect common outsourcing for machining (5-axis), waterjet, and overflow suppliers. Be prepared to be hands-on and 'walk the job' through the process, ensuring direct visibility with leadership and an opportunity to shape execution processes.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Imlay City, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Imlay City,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
