Shelby Supply Company in Tolland, CT, is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Machine Shop Purchasing Assistant / Estimator to join our team. This role is critical for analyzing project requirements and preparing accurate, competitive cost estimates and purchasing materials, calculating and monitoring, labor, and equipment utilization. You will work cross-functionally with engineering, other members in purchasing, and production teams, ensuring that all estimates reflect current capabilities, industry standards, and customer expectations. The ideal candidate has strong machining knowledge and a forward-thinking mindset to help improve and evolve our quoting process over time.
Key Responsibilities:
- Minimum 3 years' experience with strong knowledge of all metals; steel, stainless, alloys, plastics, component assemblies.
- Experience with E2 and QuickBooks software.
- Analyze blueprints, technical drawings, and customer specifications to determine project scope and production needs.
- Develop accurate labor and material estimates for machining and fabrication projects based on established production methods and actual cycle times.
- Evaluate in-house capabilities and external vendors to determine the most efficient and cost-effective path for each job.
- Calculate required dimensions, tolerances, and material volumes to ensure precision in quotes.
- Prepare detailed, itemized cost estimates covering labor, material, tooling, and overhead.
- Work closely with vendors and the internal purchasing team to secure competitive material and service pricing.
- Evaluate supplier and subcontractor bids to support procurement decisions.
- Ensure all cost estimates comply with company policies, industry standards, and customer requirements.
- Monitor actual costs post-award and adjust estimating models to improve accuracy and quoting strategies.
- Support manufacturing and engineering initiatives as needed.
Requirements:
- Deep understanding of machining processes, manufacturing workflows, and material behavior.
- Proven experience estimating in a job shop environment, ideally with exposure to both CNC and manual machining operations.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex technical drawings and customer specifications.
- Proficiency with cost estimation tools and E2 systems, including JobBOSS.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and general Microsoft Office Suite skills.
- High attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced, custom-production environment.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with a collaborative mindset.
- Proactive, self-starter attitude with a sense of urgency and continuous improvement focus.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Technical degree or certification in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- Experience using or implementing AI or automation tools in quoting or cost estimation workflows.
- Familiarity with CNC, Turn / Mill operations.
Benefits:
Paid holidays
Vacation / PTO
401K Match 4%
Medical
Vision
Dental
Salary based upon experience.