Description
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
The Aircraft Maintenance Senior Estimator is responsible for developing/Reviewing labor and cost estimates for airframe maintenance, modification, and repair services across multiple aircraft platforms. This role converts customer work scopes, task cards, and engineering documents into accurate labor-hour forecasts that support competitive bids, heavy check planning, and program-level budgeting. The Senior Estimator leverages strong technical knowledge-often gained through prior mechanic experience-to determine realistic man-hour requirements and sequencing considerations for C-checks, heavy maintenance visits (HMVs/HMV-like events), cargo conversions, structural repairs, and special projects. The role serves as a key partner to Contracts, Planning, Operations, Engineering, and Finance to ensure proposals are consistent, compliant, competitive, and operationally executable. The Senior Estimator would also be responsible to mentor and train Estimators as needed.
BENEFITS
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid company holidays
401(k) retirement plan with 5% company match
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company-paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
5-10 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, planning, estimating, or related technical aviation roles with minimum of 1 year employment as Estimator at Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services
Demonstrated experience leading complex aircraft maintenance estimates valued at $500K+ to several million dollars annually
Proven ability to mentor, train, and develop junior estimators and estimating process.
Strong understanding of task card structures, maintenance program logic, MRO processes, and heavy check operations.
Ability to read and interpret SBs, ADs, engineering drawings, AMMs, SRMs, IPCs, and customer program requirements.
Ability to evaluate estimate risk, contingency requirements, and schedule impacts
Strong understanding of aircraft maintenance, critical path analysis, and manpower planning
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, power query and labor modeling tools.
Ability to work collaboratively with Contracts, Operations, Engineering, and Finance.
Excellent presentation and communication skills with customers and executive leadership.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate.
Experience in a Part 145 MRO environment.
Experience estimating heavy maintenance programs for multiple Aircraft fleet types
Experience supporting customer proposals, pricing, or contract development.
Experience with maintenance planning systems and digital task card platforms.
Prior supervisory or lead estimator experience.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY AREAS AND DUTIES:
Function as the lead estimator for the organization in matters related to proposal support, estimating standards and estimator development.
Serve as the primary technical resource for complex and non-standard maintenance estimates
Establish and maintain estimating standards, labor factors, and estimating best practices
Develop and maintain estimating databases, historical labor libraries, and benchmarking tools
Analyze multiple aircraft types (e.g., B737, B757, B767, A321, ATR, CRJ) to determine fleet-specific labor variations and work package complexities.
Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to current Estimators
Review estimates prior to being sent to Contracts for accuracy, completeness, and technical validity.
Identify process improvements that improve bid turnaround time, estimate consistency, and forecast reliability.
Bid & Proposal Support
Prepare detailed labor-hour estimate summaries for incorporation into customer proposals, including support for TAT expectations and program scheduling.
Collaborate with Contracts & Planning to ensure that estimates align with commercial terms, rate structures, and customer-specific requirements.
Support pricing development by ensuring accurate roll-ups of direct labor, materials assumptions (as required), special tooling, and third-party services.
Provide technical justification for estimates during customer negotiations, internal reviews, and senior leadership bid approvals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to type and read multiple documents and computer screens for extended hours.
Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office environment.
Noise level is typically moderate and consistent with a standard office setting.
Ability to communicate professionally verbally and in writing.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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