Cost Estimator ( Aerospace & Defense )

Position : Cost Estimator – Aerospace & Defense Electronics Manufacturing Division

Location : Chelmsford, MA

Hiring Contact : Jacob Parish | Jacob.parish@gogpac.com

Compensation : Below —

Job Overview :   We are actively seeking a detail-oriented Cost Estimator to join our electronics manufacturing team. This role is responsible for preparing accurate and timely bid packages in response to customer RFQs, collaborating across departments to integrate labor, material, and manufacturing costs, and supporting overall business growth through strategic quoting and analysis.

Key Responsibilities :

Review customer RFQs for completeness, including statements of work, quantities, and special instructions; request clarifications as needed

Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, quality, and sales teams to develop costed BOMs, labor estimates, and pricing proposals

Integrate material costs, labor engineering estimates, and NRE rates to formulate competitive bids that minimize cost and maximize profit

Evaluate estimated costs against actuals from past production orders to refine accuracy and maintain historical data integrity

Work with supplier quality engineering to evaluate new suppliers, negotiate pricing extensions, and build strategic partnerships

Prepare CAPA documentation, won / loss metrics, and monthly activity reports; provide training to engineering on QFX templates and Excel tools

Coordinate with internal teams (purchasing, engineering, test, manufacturing) and customers to ensure smooth quoting and order fulfillment

Qualifications :

Minimum 3 years of experience in cost estimation or quoting within electronics manufacturing or related industry, preferably aerospace, defense, Mil-related

Strong technical understanding of backplanes, CCAs, cables / harnesses, and box-build assembly processes

Proven ability to read and interpret electrical blueprints, specifications, and technical drawings

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with QFX or similar quoting systems a plus

Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills with a focus on detail and problem-solving

Ability to work independently on complex problems, exercising judgment within defined policies

Basic math skills and ability to sit for extended periods using keyboard and video display terminal

Compensation & Benefits :

$65k - $74k annual salary depending on experience

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with matching

Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment focused on growth and safety compliance

For more information or to apply, please contact Jacob Parish directly at jacob.parish@gogpac.com or 850-806-2547.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.