Fabrication Estimator
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled Fabrication Estimator to join our team and lead the quoting process for custom metal fabrication projects. This pivotal role involves overseeing the estimating department, mentoring junior estimators, and ensuring the delivery of accurate, competitive, and profitable project estimates. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in structural steel or metal fabrication estimating, with a comprehensive understanding of fabrication processes from start to finish. You will work closely with customers, vendors, production, and operations to develop detailed project costs based on customer drawings and specifications, covering materials, labor, outside services, and purchased components. This is a hands-on leadership position that plays a critical role in driving project success and departmental efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of estimators and inside sales personnel.
- Prioritize incoming quote requests based on complexity, customer needs, and turnaround time.
- Review customer drawings and specifications to determine project scope.
- Develop comprehensive fabrication estimates, including material costs, fabrication labor, welding labor, machining requirements, painting, galvanizing, outside processing, and purchased components.
- Generate Bills of Material (BOMs) when customer drawings do not provide one.
- Build routers and manufacturing sequences within the ERP system to establish fabrication workflows.
- Calculate labor takeoffs, including fit-up, welding, fabrication, and assembly times.
- Obtain pricing from vendors and subcontractors for outsourced processes.
- Work directly with customers to clarify drawings, specifications, and scope changes.
- Coordinate with production to ensure estimates align with shop capabilities.
- Utilize ERP software to create estimates, routers, work orders, and costing information.
- Continuously improve estimating processes, accuracy, and departmental efficiency.
Requirements
- 5+ years of estimating experience in structural steel, metal fabrication, or manufacturing environments.
- Proven experience estimating custom fabricated products from engineering drawings.
- Strong blueprint and fabrication drawing interpretation skills.
- Experience developing Bills of Material (BOMs).
- Understanding of fabrication processes including cutting, fitting, welding, machining, painting, and galvanizing.
- Experience calculating labor hours and production costs.
- Strong knowledge of material takeoffs and vendor sourcing.
- Excellent communication skills with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
- Strong organizational and leadership abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience leading an estimating department or supervising estimators.
- Experience with ERP systems such as Global Shop Solutions, SAP, JobBOSS, E2, or Epicor.
- Knowledge of AWS fabrication standards and ISO 9001 quality systems.
- Experience working in a custom fabrication or job-shop environment.
If you are ready to bring your expertise to a dynamic team and make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply today!