The Application Engineer, Cost Estimation is a key member of the Quoting Team, responsible for technical estimation and cost development of custom manufactured assemblies. This role supports the full quote-to-order process by translating customer drawings and specifications into accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), labor estimates, and manufacturing cost models.
This is a manufacturing-focused engineering role with a strong emphasis on technical quoting, cost analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. The Application / Quoting Engineer partners closely with Sales, Manufacturing Engineering, Sourcing, and Operations to deliver accurate, competitive, and timely quotations that support business growth and margin objectives.
What You'll Do:
Cost Development & Estimating
- Develop accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) to support quoting and production readinessÂ
- Prepare detailed labor estimates and manufacturing cost models for custom assembliesÂ
- Identify cost drivers including materials, labor, tooling, and process requirementsÂ
- Support quote revisions, re-quotes, and engineering changes, including variance analysis
Technical Review & Interpretation
- Review customer drawings, specifications, and technical documentation to define scope and requirementsÂ
- Translate customer requirements into manufacturing assumptions, routing, and process stepsÂ
- Evaluate manufacturability and identify risks, gaps, or opportunities in design and process
Systems & Data Management
- Enter and maintain BOM, labor, and routing data within ERP and quoting systemsÂ
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of data used for quoting and downstream operations
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Sourcing, and Operations to validate cost assumptions and manufacturing approachesÂ
- Communicate technical and cost-related considerations and trade-offs clearly to internal stakeholders
Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to the improvement of estimating tools, templates, and quoting processesÂ
- Apply knowledge of materials, components, and manufacturing processes (cable, harness, electromechanical assemblies)
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of business needs
Must-Have Qualifications:
- 2-5+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering support, estimating, or technical quoting rolesÂ
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment
- ERP / MRP system experienceÂ
- Demonstrated experience developing BOMs, labor estimates, and cost breakdownsÂ
- Ability to read and interpret assembly drawings, schematics, specifications, and customer documentationÂ
- Strong analytical skills, with understanding of manufacturing cost driversÂ
- Ability to make sound assumptions and decisions with incomplete or ambiguous data
- Ability to balance speed and accuracy in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detailÂ
- Effective collaboration and communication across cross-functional teamsÂ
- Ability to follow established processes while identifying opportunities for improvementÂ
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applicationsÂ
Bonus Points If You Have:
- Contract manufacturing experience
- Willingness to obtain IPC certification if not currently certified
We are committed to a high-performance culture of ownership, responsibility, and accountability, which will lead to breakthrough results in service for our customers and highly motivated employees.
ISC is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Export Control Requirements (ITAR):Â This position requires access to controlled technical data. In accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, applicants must be a âU.S. Person,â which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, or asylees, or otherwise be eligible to obtain required export authorizations.
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