Senior Estimator

Position Summary

The Senior Estimator will lead the estimating team and be responsible for developing detailed cost estimates for fabricated metal components and assemblies, coordinating with engineering and production teams, and supporting sales and business development efforts. The role requires a solid understanding of metal fabrication processes, strong numerical and analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate leadership internally and head up difficult projects, including assigning quotes to team members and ensuring that all quotes are accurate and delivered on time.
• Communicate directly with customers and suppliers on cost and pricing.
• Communicate with customers on manufacturing capabilities.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and RFQs (requests for quotation) for sheet metal fabrication, machining, weldments, laser cutting, finishing (painting/plating/silkscreen) components.
• Analyze part geometry, materials, tolerances, manufacturing processes (laser cutting, stamping, bending, welding, machining, finishing), and secondary operations to establish cost drivers and production flow.
• Work with engineering/production to ascertain machine setup, tooling needs, labor hours, scrap rates, and sub-contracted operations (if any).
• Present quotes to sales and/or customers, answer clarifications, revise estimates as needed, track quote success rates and historical data.
• Support sales and business development by helping evaluate new products/projects for manufacturability, cost reduction, and quoting feasibility.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 5-10 years of estimating experience in metal fabrication (sheet metal, machining, weldments, assemblies) or in a contract manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes: laser cutting, punching, bending, welding, machining, finishing (painting, plating, silkscreening).
• Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, material specs, and manufacturing prints.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills; comfortable with spreadsheets, cost modeling, and data analysis.
• Excellent communication skills - able to interface with customers, engineering, production, and procurement.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple quotes and deadlines.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and estimating software.
• A drive for continuous improvement and a focus on increasing estimating accuracy and business profitability.

Preferred Experience

• Working in a small- to medium-sized manufacturing company with full-service fabrication and assembly capability.
• Experience with Paperless Parts or Fulcrum ERP.
• Bilingual: Spanish.