Posted August 17, 2026
Estimator
The Reserves Network Inc
Milwaukee, WI, US
Full Time
Job Description
Job Description
Estimator | $29-39 per hour | Monday-Friday / 7 am-3:30 pm
What Matters Most
- Competitive Pay of $29-39 per hour depending on your experience
- Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7 am-3:30 pm
- Milwaukee, WI
- Temporary-to-hire opportunity with career growth and stability
- Weekly Pay with direct deposit or pay card
- When you work through The Reserves Network, you are eligible to enroll in dental, vision and medical insurance as well as 401K, direct deposit and our referral bonus program
Job Description
As an estimator, you will be responsible for reviewing customer drawings, specifications, and RFQs to develop accurate cost estimates and competitive quotes for machined components and manufacturing projects. This position evaluates material requirements, machining processes, labor hours, tooling, outside services, and production capabilities to determine cost, lead time, and feasibility.
The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of CNC machining, manufacturing processes, blueprint reading, and machine shop operations, with the ability to balance accuracy, competitiveness, and profitability.
Responsibilities:
- Review customer RFQs, blueprints, CAD drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
- Prepare accurate cost estimates and quotations for CNC machining and related manufacturing work.
- Determine appropriate manufacturing methods, machine requirements, setups, tooling, fixtures, and production sequences.
- Estimate machining cycle times, setup hours, programming requirements, inspection time, and overall labor.
- Calculate raw material requirements, including material type, size, quantity, scrap, and yield.
- Obtain pricing and lead times for materials, tooling, purchased components, heat treating, plating, grinding, and other outside services.
- Evaluate part complexity, tolerances, surface finishes, inspection requirements, and other factors affecting manufacturing costs.
- Identify potential manufacturing challenges and recommend alternative processes when appropriate.
- Work closely with engineering, CNC programming, production, purchasing, quality, and sales teams.
- Review historical job performance and actual production costs to improve future estimating accuracy.
- Maintain organized records of quotes, costing information, vendor pricing, and customer requirements.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or manufacturing-related education preferred.
- 3+ years of experience in a CNC machine shop or precision manufacturing environment.
- Previous hands-on experience as a CNC machinist, programmer, manufacturing engineer, or estimator.
- Experience estimating both prototype and production machining.
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM software.
- Working knowledge of GD&T.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and job costing.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality systems is a plus.
Benefits and Perks:
- $29-39 per hour
- Medical Benefits
- Opportunity for wage increase after 90 days, and then yearly.
- Training & Growth
Your New Organization:
Our client offers its customers a quality service orientated company specializing in modern precision machine shop with the capability of producing products for clients to meet an almost endless variety of requirements from Machining, Metal Fabrication, Electrical Panel Wiring. Join a team that values its employees and provides competitive compensation. Enjoy health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
Your Career Partner:
The Reserves Network, a veteran-founded and family-owned company, specializes in connecting exceptional talent with rewarding opportunities. With extensive industry experience, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your professional goals and shine in your field. The Reserves Network values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. As an equal-opportunity employer, we foster an environment of respect, integrity, and trust in every aspect of employment.
The base salary range for this position is $60,000-$80,000 per year, excluding benefits, bonuses, or other compensation. Your final salary will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, location, and internal pay equity. Please note, hiring at the top of the range is uncommon to allow room for future salary growth.
