Morgan Benjamin Search Group

Job Title: Estimator

Location: North Houston, TX, In-Office

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience

A leading manufacturer serving the offshore energy industry is seeking an Estimator / Proposal Engineer to join its growing sales and estimating team.

This role is responsible for developing detailed project estimates, preparing customer proposals, reviewing project specifications, and supporting the sales process from RFQ through bid submission. The ideal candidate will have experience developing material and labor cost estimates, obtaining vendor pricing, and preparing competitive proposals within a manufacturing, fabrication, steel, industrial, or project-based environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator or project professional looking to join an established company with long-term growth potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed project estimates, including material costs, labor hours, fabrication costs, manufacturing expenses, rental equipment, and profit margin analysis
• Review RFQs, drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to develop accurate pricing
• Obtain pricing and quotations from vendors and suppliers
• Prepare competitive proposals, quotations, and bid packages for customer submission
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, operations, and sales teams to gather cost data and develop estimates
• Analyze labor requirements, production costs, and material usage to ensure accurate project costing
• Track and maintain historical cost data to improve estimating accuracy
• Communicate with customers regarding RFQs, clarifications, and project requirements
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating processes and project profitability
• Ensure timely submission of bids and quotations
• Maintain proposal documentation, bid logs, and sales activity reports

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in estimating, costing, budgeting, proposal development, project management, or related functions
• Proven experience estimating both material and labor costs in a manufacturing, fabrication, steel, industrial, oil & gas, or project-based environment
• Strong understanding of project costing, labor calculations, and pricing strategies
• Ability to read drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with offshore, subsea, marine, or energy-related projects
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and fabrication costs
• Experience preparing technical proposals and customer quotations
• Project management experience
• Familiarity with API, ISO, or other industry standards
• Knowledge of structural steel take-offs, carbon steel, or tubing products