ESTIMATING ENGINEER - SENIOR / JUNIOR / TRAINEE PATHWAY (PRECISION ENGINEERING & FABRICATIONS)
We're recruiting for an Estimating Engineer to join a well-established precision engineering and fabrications business supporting complex manufacturing (CNC and sheet metal). This opportunity suits either an experienced/Senior Estimator or a Junior/Trainee candidate from machining, CNC, fabrication or sheet metal who is looking to move off the tools and develop a long-term career in estimating.
You'll support accurate quotations and tender submissions, determining manufacturing costs and lead times for customer RFQs. Working closely with Engineering, Purchasing/Procurement and shopfloor teams, you'll help ensure bids are competitive, compliant and commercially robust, acting as a key commercial interface with customers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (SENIOR)
- Lead estimating/costing for CNC 3/4/5-axis milling and turning work packages.
- Estimate costs for formed and sheet metal parts (incl. minor assembly where required).
- Obtain material, bought-out items and treatment prices/lead times (supplier liaison).
- Select best machine tools, check capacity, routings and manufacturing strategy.
- Produce accurate, compliant quotes/tenders aligned to quality and delivery requirements.
- Support Bid/No Bid decisions, maintain the bid register, and drive continuous improvement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (JUNIOR / TRAINEE)
- Learn estimating processes by supporting quote builds, data gathering and supplier RFQs.
- Interpret engineering drawings and 3D models with guidance; validate key dimensions/tolerances.
- Assist with routings, cycle time inputs, material call-offs, and Excel-based costing models.
- Progress to owning small/standard quotes, building up to complex packages over time.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Senior:
- Proven estimating/costing experience (CNC and/or sheet metal).
- Aerospace or precision engineering background.
- Confident with Titanium, Aluminium and Steel; strong stakeholder communication.
Junior/Trainee:
- Hands-on background in CNC machining, sheet metal, fabrication, or manufacturing engineering.
- Confident reading engineering drawings (GD&T understanding beneficial).
- Good MS Office skills (especially Excel); willingness to learn estimating tools and processes.
DESIRABLE (WE CAN SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT)
- CATIA experience / ability to view and assess 3D models.
- Exposure to tenders/RFQs, procurement, or supplier management.
TRAINING, MENTORING & PROGRESSION
- Structured onboarding with mentoring from senior estimators/engineering.
- Clear progression plan (e.g., Trainee → Junior Estimator → Estimating Engineer) based on capability and performance.
- Support to develop commercial awareness, quoting accuracy, and customer-facing confidence.
This is a permanent job with a starting salary dependant on experience. HRGO are a recruitment agency supporting UK Manufacturing. We aim to respond to all applications.
