Estimator, Engineered Products

Responsibilities

• Analyze customer RFQs and job specifications to develop comprehensive cost estimates for screen printed durables, engineered parts, and specialty products, factoring in materials, labor, equipment utilization, and overhead.
• Determine the most efficient and economical production methods by evaluating available equipment capabilities, press configurations, and finishing processes across manufacturing locations.
• Calculate material requirements including substrates, inks, adhesives, plates, and dies, incorporating appropriate allowances for waste and spoilage.
• Review and update pricing on repeat orders, adjusting for changes in raw material costs, labor rates, freight, and other variable cost factors.
• Cook up with Sales, Customer Service, Pre-Press, and Production teams to gather technical specifications and resolve questions on complex or custom jobs.
• Perform post-job cost analysis by comparing estimated versus actual costs, identifying variances, and recommending corrective actions to improve future estimate accuracy.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities and process improvement initiatives by analyzing trends in material usage, labor efficiency, and production throughput.
• Collaborate with cost accounting to establish and validate hourly production rates and operational standards.
• Advise internal teams and, when appropriate, customers on specification options that optimize cost, quality, and manufacturability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of estimating experience in the printing or packaging industry.
• Strong mathematical skills including the ability to calculate proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, and unit conversions.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, diagrams, and measurement specifications.
• Proficiency with estimating software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to present information clearly to managers, sales representatives, and cross-functional teams.

Preferred

• Experience estimating screen printed durables, engineered parts, or specialty industrial products.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred; however, an Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, along with two to four years of related experience or training, will be considered.
• Working knowledge of flexographic, screen, and/or digital printing processes.
• Familiarity with pre-press workflows, substrate materials, ink systems, and finishing operations.
• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing locations or product lines.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to sit for extended periods performing computer-based data entry and analysis.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional travel to manufacturing locations may be required.

Benefits Summary

• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Comprehensive and Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance and Life Insurance
• Additional Benefits -- Long-Term Disability, Supplemental Life, Accident and Critical Illness Coverage Plans
• Excellent 401(k) retirement plan with generous company contribution
• We pride ourselves in investing in our employees by offering onsite training and the ability to have unlimited growth potential within our organization
• We believe in rewarding our employees with performance-based salary increases