Cost Estimator

Lewiston, ME | $85,000–$110,000/year | Full-Time | Exempt | Benefits Starting Day One

Turn Manufacturing Knowledge Into Accurate Cost Estimates

Before a customer places an order, someone needs to determine what it will take to manufacture the product—from materials and labor to tooling, fixtures, and production costs. At Elmet Technologies, our Cost Estimators play an important role in connecting customer requirements with manufacturing capabilities and helping our Sales team pursue new business opportunities.

We’re looking for a Cost Estimator to join our team in Lewiston, Maine. Reporting to the Cost Estimating Manager, you’ll develop accurate manufacturing cost estimates for machined and fabricated components made from tungsten and molybdenum, supporting customer quotations and new product opportunities.

You’ll analyze technical drawings, evaluate manufacturing requirements, calculate material and processing costs, and collaborate with Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, Production, and customers to ensure estimates accurately reflect what it takes to manufacture each product. This is an opportunity for someone who understands manufacturing, enjoys working with technical details, and wants to play a direct role in supporting business growth.

What’s In It for You

• Benefits starting Day One, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Professional development and internal growth opportunities
• Opportunity to work with technically complex products and advanced manufacturing processes
• Direct involvement in customer quotations and new business opportunities
• Collaboration with Engineering, Sales, Production, Purchasing, and New Product Development
• Opportunity to apply technical manufacturing knowledge to real-world cost estimating challenges
• A role where accuracy, analytical thinking, and attention to detail directly support business performance

What You’ll Do

As a Cost Estimator, you’ll calculate manufacturing costs and help ensure Elmet can provide accurate, competitive quotations for customer projects. Your responsibilities will include:

• Analyze project specifications, blueprints, technical drawings, and other documentation to understand product requirements
• Obtain material pricing and calculate labor and overhead costs to develop product pricing for Sales quotations
• Use detailed spreadsheets and company-approved formulas to calculate projected manufacturing costs
• Determine tooling and fixturing requirements based on customer drawings and product specifications
• Collaborate with customers, Engineering, Field Sales, and New Product Development to clarify requirements for requested quotations
• Partner with Purchasing to evaluate suppliers and obtain quotations for third-party services and materials
• Work with Engineering and Production to validate cost estimates for new products
• Review and confirm original estimates for repeat orders
• Maintain cost information in Elmet’s ERP system
• Create new part numbers and associated bills of material and manufacturing routings
• Monitor market trends and raw material pricing fluctuations to help maintain competitive and profitable estimates
• Manage multiple estimating assignments while meeting customer and internal deadlines

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who understands manufacturing costs and can translate technical requirements into accurate, well-supported estimates. You’ll need:

• A two-year or four-year technical degree, or equivalent cost estimating experience
• Ability to read and interpret project plans, specifications, blueprints, and technical drawings
• Strong critical-thinking and decision-making skills
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills and comfort working with spreadsheets
• Mid-level mathematical skills, including basic algebra
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations to groups, including senior leadership
• Ability to work effectively with customers, Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, and Production
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to produce estimates within required deadlines

Additional Experience That Can Help You Succeed

The following experience is preferred but not required:

• Previous cost estimating experience, particularly in manufacturing or a machine-shop environment
• Knowledge of CAD programs
• Experience with estimating software
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as Global Shop

How You’ll Make an Impact

Success in this role means providing accurate, timely manufacturing cost estimates that help Elmet respond to customer opportunities and make informed business decisions. You’ll make an impact by:

• Delivering accurate cost estimates that support competitive customer quotations
• Ensuring estimates reflect realistic material, labor, overhead, tooling, and fixture requirements
• Helping Sales respond to customer requests efficiently
• Identifying potential cost challenges before products move into production
• Supporting accurate pricing for new products and repeat orders
• Maintaining reliable cost information, bills of material, and manufacturing routings
• Strengthening collaboration among Engineering, Sales, Production, Purchasing, and New Product Development
• Monitoring raw material pricing and market trends to support profitability
• Helping Elmet pursue new business opportunities with greater confidence

A Role That Connects Manufacturing and Business

Although this position is primarily office-based, successful estimating requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and technical requirements. You’ll spend time reviewing drawings, analyzing material and production costs, working with spreadsheets and ERP data, and collaborating with the teams responsible for designing, sourcing, and manufacturing Elmet’s products.

The position involves typical office activities, including computer-based work, telephone and face-to-face communication, and occasional movement through the facility.

About Elmet Technologies

Elmet Technologies is a division of The Elmet Group and a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of precision-engineered products serving global industries, including aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and energy. Through advanced materials processing and precision manufacturing capabilities, Elmet produces high-performance materials and components for some of the world’s most demanding applications.

Our Lewiston, Maine operation specializes in advanced refractory metals, including tungsten and molybdenum, and brings together technical expertise, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. Our Cost Estimating team helps connect customer requirements with the materials, processes, and resources needed to manufacture high-quality products.

Ready to Put Your Manufacturing Knowledge to Work?

If you enjoy analyzing technical drawings, solving cost estimating challenges, and helping turn customer requirements into manufacturing solutions, we’d like to hear from you. Apply today to join Elmet Technologies in Lewiston, Maine, and help support the next generation of advanced manufacturing opportunities.

Export Control Requirement

This position may require access to information, technology, or materials subject to U.S. export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be eligible to access such controlled information under applicable U.S. export control laws. For purposes of ITAR, a U.S. person generally includes a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Search Process Note

The Elmet Group is managing this search directly and is not accepting submissions from outside recruitment firms.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Elmet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve.