Estimating Engineer

Estimating Engineer

The Estimating Engineer plays a key role in developing accurate, detailed cost estimates for customer projects, supporting sales efforts, project planning, and cost control within a manufacturing environment. This position analyzes customer specifications, collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, and applies technical and commercial expertise to ensure competitive, reliable, and well-documented proposals.

Responsibilities

• Review customer RFQs to determine material and labor requirements and prepare detailed, itemized cost estimates.
• Calculate total project costs and develop estimates used for bidding, vendor selection, and cost-effectiveness analysis.
• Consult with customers, vendors, and internal teams to clarify requirements, develop accurate estimates, and resolve technical or pricing concerns.
• Provide technical support and pricing guidance to sales teams based on customer specifications and project scope.
• Analyze customer specifications to recommend optimal product configurations, installation methods, and implementation strategies.
• Estimate project effort, timelines, labor requirements, and resource allocation to support planning and scheduling.
• Review sales proposals for accuracy, completeness, and overall quality before submission.
• Develop and maintain cost control procedures, tools, and documentation to support effective project budget management.
• Coordinate procurement and cost-related information to support forecasting, risk analysis, and overall project planning.
• Analyze project and cost data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for process and cost improvements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and internal operating procedures throughout the estimating process.
• Apply technical expertise in manufacturing processes, materials, and cost-estimating methodologies to improve estimate accuracy and consistency.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• 24 years of estimating experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing project cost estimates and analyzing technical requirements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify cost drivers, and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple RFQs and deadlines simultaneously.
• Effective problem-solving skills to address technical, pricing, and process-related challenges.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and related tools used for estimating and reporting.
• Experience with sales, estimation, and cost estimates in a project-based environment.
• Understanding of project management principles related to scope, schedule, and cost.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with customers, vendors, and internal teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• JobBOSS (ECI) software experience preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and cost-estimating methods preferred.
• Familiarity with cost control procedures and tools used in project budget management.
• Ability to work collaboratively across sales, engineering, procurement, and operations functions.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality estimates and proposals.

Work Environment

This role operates within a manufacturing-focused business environment that emphasizes collaboration between sales, engineering, procurement, and operations teams. Work is primarily performed in an office setting using Microsoft Office applications, estimating tools, and, where applicable, JobBOSS (ECI) software. The position involves frequent interaction with customers and vendors via email, phone, and meetings, as well as close coordination with internal stakeholders to support project planning and cost control. The culture values accuracy, continuous improvement, and proactive communication to deliver competitive, well-supported project proposals.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mendota Heights, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $41.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Mendota Heights, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.