Cost Estimator

We are looking for a detail-oriented Cost Estimator to join our team in Chatsworth, California in a contract-to-permanent capacity. This position supports pricing and cost analysis efforts for manufacturing activities by building accurate estimates, maintaining cost data, and delivering insights that help guide operational and commercial decisions. The role works closely with purchasing, engineering, research and development, and production teams to evaluate product costs, improve margin visibility, and support informed planning across the business.

Responsibilities:
• Prepare pricing models and cost estimates for new, revised, or existing products to support quoting and business development activities.
• Review historical production information, bills of materials, and routing details to project expected manufacturing expenses with accuracy.
• Evaluate financial exposure within estimates and apply appropriate margin considerations based on cost drivers and production complexity.
• Partner with purchasing and technical teams to gather current pricing for raw materials, outside services, and sourced components.
• Establish, update, and monitor standard and actual costs for raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods.
• Investigate differences between expected and actual manufacturing costs, identifying contributing factors related to labor, materials, and overhead.
• Produce profitability reporting by customer, product category, and individual job to support cost control and pricing decisions.
• Work with engineering and manufacturing teams to assess the financial effect of design revisions, material substitutions, and lead-time improvements.

Qualifications:

• 1+ year of experience in cost estimating, cost accounting, or a related manufacturing finance role.
• Knowledge of standard costing principles and manufacturing cost accounting practices.
• Experience performing cost analysis, estimate development, and margin evaluation in a production environment.
• Ability to interpret bills of materials, routing data, and other manufacturing documentation.
• Familiarity with variance analysis and identifying root causes of cost differences.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and the ability to work with cross-functional teams.
• Experience using NetSuite or similar ERP systems to manage costing data and reporting.

Compensation

$30.40-$35.20 Hourly

About Us

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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