Estimator

Job Overview

The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates based on written specifications, evolving customer requirements, and incomplete or conceptual project information. This role requires strong judgment, manufacturing knowledge, and the ability to develop assumptions where full design details are not yet defined. This position works closely with Sales, Engineering, and Project Management to support early-stage pricing, identify risk, and create estimates that balance cost, manufacturability, and customer expectations.

ROLE + RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review and interpret written specifications, customer requirements, and partial drawings
• Develop conceptual assumptions and layouts to support early-stage pricing
• Identify scope gaps, cost drivers, and areas of risk during quote development
• Apply value-engineering concepts to meet customer budgets and performance requirements
• Prepare budgetary and semi-detailed estimates where designs are not fully defined
• Price materials, components, and fabrication processes
• Estimate labor hours by manufacturing process, including setup and run times
• Apply manufacturing routings and work center standards to build accurate cost models
• Document assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications clearly within each quote
• Partner with Sales to support customer discussions and proposal strategy
• Collaborate with Engineering to align estimates with manufacturability and design intent
• Communicate with Project Management on scope transitions from quote to execution
• Maintain ownership of assigned quotes from RFQ intake through final submission
• Generate and revise quotes electronically as project details evolve
• Ensure customer, industry, and statutory requirements are met

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing or fabrication estimating, engineering, or production-related roles
• Strong ability to interpret written specifications and technical documentation
• Understanding of manufacturing processes (fabrication, assembly, machining, etc.)
• High attention to detail, analytical thinking, and comfort working with ambiguity

Preferred Skills

• Experience estimating projects with incomplete or evolving designs
• Ability to create basic conceptual sketches or layouts to support estimating assumptions
• Knowledge of value-engineering and cost-risk evaluation
• ERP experience (Infor CSI/Syteline preferred)
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Excel required)
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or SolidWorks is a plus