Role Overview
The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive cost, time, material, and labor estimates for manufacturing projects and custom products. This involves detailed analysis of technical documentation—including CAD drawings, blueprints, specifications, physical samples, and customer proposals—to support bidding, planning, and production decisions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze project requirements to determine necessary materials, supplies, labor hours, and manufacturing processes; prepare detailed itemized breakdowns and proposed production methods.
• Partner closely with production supervisors, machine operators, sales, purchasing, engineering, clients, and external vendors to refine estimates, address discrepancies, and propose optimal solutions.
• Evaluate and recommend vendors and subcontractors based on pricing, quality, reliability, and “lowest responsible bid” criteria.
• Manage multiple estimates concurrently, adapt quickly to new information or shifting priorities, and maintain progress while awaiting customer or internal data.
• Calculate comprehensive costs to inform production planning, bid preparation, work scheduling, vendor selection, and overall project profitability.
• Perform cost-reduction analyses and establish standard labor throughput rates and cost benchmarks through targeted studies.
• Conduct post-production audits by comparing actual costs and performance against original estimates to identify variances and improve future accuracy.
• Compute precise material quantities, dimensions, and profile specifications; evaluate internal and external manufacturing capabilities to ensure projects meet cost targets and performance requirements.
• Support compliance reviews of project plans with applicable codes, standards, and regulations as they impact cost estimates.
• Handle supporting administrative duties, including preparation of worksheets, process documentation, correspondence, technical drawings, presentations, supplier research, and participation in cross-functional committees.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering or a closely related field (preferred); or an Associate’s (2-year) engineering degree combined with at least 2 years of relevant estimating or process development experience. Equivalent combinations of education and hands-on experience will be considered.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years in cost estimating, manufacturing engineering, process planning, or a directly related technical role.
• Core Competencies & Skills
• • In-depth knowledge of manufacturing materials, current material pricing trends, and proven estimating techniques.
  • Working understanding of engineering design principles, production processes, and relevant industry/government regulations.
  • Advanced mathematical proficiency, including unit conversions and complex cost calculations.
  • Demonstrated ability to produce reliable cost estimates for technically sophisticated or multi-process projects.
  • Intermediate proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks or comparable) for creating or modifying technical drawings.
  • Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, databases) and comfort with ERP systems (experience with Epicor ERP highly desirable).
  • Skilled at online research for materials, pricing, and potential suppliers.
  • Excellent organizational abilities to maintain accurate cost databases, reports, and tracking systems.
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills; able to clearly explain technical and financial details to diverse stakeholders including customers, contractors, engineers, production teams, and regulatory representatives.