Estimating Engineer

Actalent is seeking an Estimating Engineer to develop accurate, detailed cost estimates for customer projects in a manufacturing environment. This role supports sales efforts, project planning, and cost control by analyzing specifications, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring competitive, well-documented proposals.

Responsibilities

• Review customer RFQs to determine material and labor requirements and prepare detailed, itemized cost estimates.
• Calculate total project costs and develop estimates used for bidding, vendor selection, and cost-effectiveness analysis.
• Consult with customers, vendors, and internal teams to clarify requirements, develop accurate estimates, and resolve technical or pricing concerns.
• Provide technical support and pricing guidance to sales teams based on customer specifications and project scope.
• Analyze customer specifications to recommend optimal product configurations, installation methods, and implementation strategies.
• Estimate project effort, timelines, labor requirements, and resource allocation to support planning and scheduling.
• Review sales proposals for accuracy, completeness, and overall quality before submission.
• Develop and maintain cost control procedures, tools, and documentation to support effective project budget management.
• Coordinate procurement and cost-related information to support forecasting, risk analysis, and overall project planning.
• Analyze project and cost data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for process and cost improvements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and internal operating procedures throughout the estimating process.
• Apply technical expertise in manufacturing processes, materials, and cost-estimating methodologies to improve estimate accuracy and consistency.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational objectives.

Skills

• 2–4 years of estimating experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing project cost estimates and analyzing technical requirements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify cost drivers, and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple RFQs and deadlines simultaneously.
• Effective problem-solving skills to address technical, pricing, and process-related challenges.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and related tools used for estimating and reporting.
• Experience with sales, estimation, and cost estimates in a project-based environment.
• Understanding of project management principles related to scope, schedule, and cost.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with customers, vendors, and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• JobBOSS (ECI) software experience preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and cost-estimating methods preferred.
• Familiarity with cost control procedures and tools used in project budget management.
• Ability to work collaboratively across sales, engineering, procurement, and operations functions.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality estimates and proposals.

Work Environment

This role operates within a manufacturing-focused business environment that emphasizes collaboration between sales, engineering, procurement, and operations teams. Work is primarily performed in an office setting using Microsoft Office applications, estimating tools, and, where applicable, JobBOSS (ECI) software. The position involves frequent interaction with customers and vendors via email, phone, and meetings, as well as close coordination with internal stakeholders to support project planning and cost control. The culture values accuracy, continuous improvement, and proactive communication to deliver competitive, well-supported project proposals.

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire position based in Mendota Heights, MN. The role is fully onsite.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $41.00 per hour.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available.
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents).
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave).