Manufacturing Estimator (CNC - Sheet Metal) - Senior or Trainee in Bishop's Stortford

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.