The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, timely, and competitive manufacturing cost estimates for customer requests for quotation (RFQs). This role evaluates engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to determine manufacturing methods, labor requirements, material needs, outside processing, and overall production costs. The Estimator works closely with Sales, Engineering, Production, Programming, and Project Management to ensure quotations accurately reflect manufacturing capabilities and company objectives.
1) Estimating & Quotation Development
· Review customer RFQs, engineering drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.
· Interpret tolerances, material specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
· Determine manufacturing processes including machining, fabrication, welding, forming, finishing, assembly, and outside processing.
· Determine material requirements and production routing.
· Coordinate with Programming and Production to estimate programming time, setup time, cycle time, and inspection requirements.
· Develop complete labor, material, tooling, and outside processing costs.
· Prepare accurate and competitive quotations.
· Ensure quotations are completed by required due dates.
· Identify technical, manufacturing, or commercial risks before quote submission.
2) Cost Analysis
· Maintain current labor, burden, and machine rates.
· Utilize ERP costing data to develop accurate estimates.
· Review historical job performance to improve estimating accuracy.
· Recommend cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
· Assist with standardizing estimating methods and cost models.
3) Cross-Department Collaboration
· Work closely with Sales to clarify customer requirements.
· Coordinate with Engineering and Programming regarding manufacturability.
· Collaborate with Production to validate routing, setup, and machining assumptions.
· Support Project Management during project kickoff.
· Participate in contract reviews.
· Provide technical support regarding quoted manufacturing methods.
4) Documentation & Continuous Improvement
· Maintain accurate quote files and supporting documentation.
· Ensure estimates comply with company procedures.
· Support ERP data integrity.
· Recommend improvements to estimating processes.
· Maintain historical costing information.
5) Other Duties
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Key Competencies
· Accuracy and attention to detail
· Technical comprehension
· Manufacturing process knowledge
· Cost analysis
· Critical thinking
· Cross-functional communication
· Strong documentation and organization
· Ability to manage multiple quotes simultaneously
· Customer focus
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
