The Manufacturing Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates for fabricated assemblies, sub-assemblies, and finished goods. The role partners with sales, engineering, operations, and supply chain to translate customer drawings, specifications, and bills of material into structured quotes that reflect true cost-to-produce, target margins, and on-time delivery commitments. The Estimator is a key driver of win rate, gross margin discipline, and quote turnaround speed across the business.
Key ResponsibilitiesEstimating & Quoting
- Review customer RFQs, drawings, isometrics, P&IDs, specifications, and bills of material to fully scope the work required.
- Develop detailed cost estimates covering material, labor, equipment, consumables, outside services, freight, and applicable overhead.
- Apply standard labor rates, routings, and shop production data to build accurate labor and machine-hour estimates.
- Identify scope gaps, drawing inconsistencies, and missing information; issue requests for information (RFIs) to the customer or sales team.
- Prepare formal quotations and proposal documentation, including assumptions, exclusions, lead times, and validity periods.
- Maintain quote logs and ensure timely follow-up on outstanding bids in coordination with sales.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with sales and business development to align estimates with customer expectations and competitive positioning.
- Partner with engineering and shop leadership to validate buildability, routings, and labor assumptions on non-standard work.
- Coordinate with supply chain and purchasing to obtain current material pricing, supplier quotes, and lead-time confirmation.
- Support project managers and operations during job handoff to ensure estimates are clearly communicated and actionable.
Cost & Margin Discipline
- Apply standardized estimating methodologies, templates, and pricing logic to ensure consistency across branches and product lines.
- Track quoted vs. actual job performance; analyze variances and feed findings back into labor standards, material factors, and pricing models.
- Recommend pricing adjustments for risk, complexity, expedites, and customer-specific terms in line with margin targets.
- Support continuous improvement of estimating tools, libraries, and ERP-based pricing structures.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain organized records of quotes, supporting calculations, supplier pricing, and revision history.
- Ensure estimates comply with applicable codes, standards, and customer specifications.
- Adhere to internal approval thresholds, signature authority, and pricing governance policies.
Required Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Construction Management, Business, or related field โ or equivalent combination of education and hands-on shop experience.
- 3+ years of estimating, production planning, or shop-floor experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environment.
- Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, isometrics, weldments, and specifications.
- Strong working knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and joining methods relevant to the role.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including formulas, lookups, and structured cost models.
- Experience working within an ERP or MRP system (e.g., Epicor, NetSuite, SAP, Infor, Made2Manage).
- Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple bids under deadline pressure.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills for customer-facing proposals and internal coordination.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience in estimating fabricated piping, sheet metal, weldments, machined components, or similar engineered-to-order work.
- Familiarity with thermoplastic and/or metallic piping systems, structural fabrication, or industrial process equipment.
- Exposure to centralized or multi-site estimating environments.
- Experience with estimating, takeoff, or quoting software (e.g., FabSuite, Bluebeam, PipeLogix, Trimble, custom in-house tools).
- Working knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards (ASME, ASTM, AWS, ASTM F-series, etc.).
- Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement training.
Key Performance Indicators
- Quote turnaround time (RFQ received to quote issued).
- Quote-to-order conversion rate/win rate.
- Estimated vs. actual gross margin variance on awarded jobs.
- Estimating accuracy on labor hours and material cost.
- Quote volume and on-time response rate.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Primarily office-based with regular time spent on the shop floor reviewing work, validating routings, and observing production.
- Occasional travel to customer sites, supplier facilities, or other company locations may be required.
- Must be able to navigate an active manufacturing environment in compliance with applicable PPE and safety requirements.