Manufacturing Lead Estimator
Location: Auburn, Washington
Type: Exempt
Work Schedule: Full-Time
Compensation: $85,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits: Tessera is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible part-time and full-time employees.
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
Elective 401(k) retirement plan, Tessera will match 0.5% for every 1% up to 6% after 90-days of employment . Funds are subject to vesting.
Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care
11 paid holidays, accrual of 10 paid days of vacation at the start of employment, paid sick leave
Potential shared earning bonus
Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents
Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities
Verizon wireless discount
Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees
Tessera is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" by hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities as well as veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our purpose-driven culture, our core values - Inclusion, Partnerships, Integrity - and our commitment to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.
Tessera is seeking a collaborative and data-driven Manufacturing Lead Estimator to deliver prompt, accurate, and competitive quotations that allow Tessera to win and profitably execute complex aerospace manufacturing programs. The Lead Estimator will serve as the primary owner of all quoting and estimating activities within a mid-sized aerospace manufacturing operation. This role evaluates opportunities, develops accurate cost models, and prepares competitive quotations for complex aerospace components and assemblies. The estimator analyzes technical data packages, engineering drawings, and specifications to develop manufacturing strategies and cost estimates across CNC milling, CNC turning, fabrication, and assembly operations.
This role supports growth by targeting complex aerospace components-particularly hard metal machining opportunities requiring advanced 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling and CNC turning. The position also helps drive a modern, technology-enabled quoting process that improves responsiveness to customers, shortens quoting lead times, and creates a seamless transition from quote to program launch to production execution.
Typical duties include but are not limited to:
Serve as the primary owner of the divisions estimating and quotation process.
Analyze RFQs, engineering drawings, models, and specifications to determine manufacturability and cost structure.
Develop cost estimates covering: CNC milling (3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis), CNC turning and mill-turn operations, Hard metal and soft metal machining strategies, Tooling, fixtures, and work holding, Programming requirements, Inspection and quality requirements, Fabrication operations, Kitting and mechanical assembly, and outside processing and special processes.
Prepare competitive quotations aligned with company margin targets.
Develop preliminary manufacturing routing and production strategies during quoting.
Identify optimal machining approaches for complex aerospace components, especially hard metals such as titanium, Inconel, and stainless alloys.
Evaluate opportunities for process consolidation using multi-axis milling and turning technologies.
Work with engineering and programming teams to validate cycle times and technical approaches.
Champion a technology-forward approach to estimating.
Implement and refine digital estimating tools, ERP integrations, and quoting automation.
Improve efficiency and scalability of the quoting workflow.
Create reusable manufacturing knowledge libraries.
Support development of a data-driven process integrated with program launch and production planning.
Work with CNC programmers, manufacturing engineers & planners, production leadership, quality engineering, and supply chain.
Coordinate supplier pricing for raw materials and outside processing.
Support design-for-manufacturability (DFM) discussions with customers.
Ensure the estimating process supports smooth new product introduction (NPI) and production launch.
Manage the RFQ intake pipeline from receipt through final quote submission.
Prioritize opportunities based on complexity, strategic fit, and production capacity.
Ensure quotes are submitted accurately and on time.
Measure performance against KPIs such as: win rate, RFQ turn time, quoted rev, accuracy, etc.
All Other Duties as Assigned.
Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED is required, Associate's degree is preferred.
5+ years of previous experience in Aerospace Manufacturing Estimating, CNC Machining, or Manufacturing Engineering is required. Background in CNC Programming or Manufacturing Engineering is preferred.
Must have strong understanding of CNC milling and CNC turning processes.
Ability to interpret aerospace drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
Must have previous experience estimating complex machined components, especially hard metals.
Must have previous experience working in AS9100 aerospace environments.
Strong analytical and communication skills.
Previous direct estimating experience in multi-axis machining environments is preferred.
Previous experience estimating fabrication, kitting, and assembly work is preferred.
Previous experience with ERP systems or digital estimating tools is preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Employees must have the ability to perform the following physical demands for extended periods of time with or without assistance. The physical demands of this position may be reasonably accommodated for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on a case-by-case basis.
Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
May be required to reach, kneel, walk, stand, and use repetitive motion for several hours at a time based on position duties.
Work may require repetitive motion, reaching, lifting, kneeling, and walking. Standing or sitting for several hours at a time, climbing in and out of a vehicle, and up and down stairs may also be required.
Must have the perseverance to work effectively under pressure for extended periods of time.
Requirements:
A valid state driver's license is required with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera's insurance.
Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access. A background check and E-Verify will be conducted for this position.
Date Posted: 03/18/2026
Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id .
To Apply: Visit our website at www.tessera.org (http://www.skookum.org/) to complete an application.
Current Employees: need to log into their Workday to apply through the Jobs Hub. Please reach out to your Recruiter if you need assistance.
Tessera is a national non-profit, government contractor that is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission-focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Tessera is here to help you with the recruitment process.
If you require an accommodation or support, please contact us at
(360) 475-0756 ext. 349, or email recruiting@tessera.org (recruiting@skookum.org) .
Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled - Tessera participates in E-Verify
Please submit a resume if you do not currently see an opportunity but are interested in working for Tessera.
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Tessera is committed to creating opportunities for people with disabilities, a purpose that drives everything we do. As a trusted provider in facility management, manufacturing, and vehicle maintenance, we focus on investing in our people to deliver exceptional results for our customers.
Our customers rely on Tessera to consistently provide high-quality products and services, enabling them to achieve their goals. We fulfill our purpose when our customers meet theirs.
At Tessera, we prioritize leadership development and are dedicated to specialized recruitment, career advancement, and job training. As a national leader in Disability and Veteran recruitment, hiring, and retention, Tessera continues to empower individuals and drive success across industries.
At Tessera, we offer competitive wages and benefits, along with opportunities for professional growth. Working here is more than just a job; it's a meaningful career that enables you to make a positive impact every day. We currently support over 1,700 employees across 13 states and Washington, D.C., and continue to expand nationwide.
