Cost Engineer - Estimator

Cost Engineer / EstimatorPengate Handling Systems is a leading provider of end-to-end warehouse and material handling solutions throughout the Northeast. For more than 30 years, we have helped businesses move, store, and manage products more safely and efficiently by combining industry-leading equipment with warehouse automation, engineered systems, robotics, conveyors, storage solutions, fleet technology, parts, service, rentals, and training.As a premier Raymond Solutions and Support Center, Pengate is backed by one of the most respected names in the material handling industry. However, we are more than an equipment provider. Our experienced sales, engineering, automation, project management, and service teams work together to design and support complete solutions that solve complex operational challenges and help our customers improve productivity, maximize space, reduce downtime, and prepare their operations for the future.We are hiring a Cost Engineer / Estimator. In this role, you will be responsible for developing accurate cost estimates and competitive commercial proposals for material handling and automation projects.This position works closely with Sales, Applications Engineering, Procurement, Operations, and external suppliers to evaluate customer requirements, obtain vendor quotations, validate project costs, and develop comprehensive pricing packages.The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable interpreting technical information. Experience with material handling systems, conveyor equipment, robotics, controls, construction, manufacturing, or other technical project environments is highly valued.What You'll DoCost Estimating and AnalysisDevelop detailed cost estimates for material handling, warehouse automation, and integrated systems projects.Review customer requirements, project specifications, layouts, technical drawings, equipment selections, and scope documentation.Estimate equipment, labor, engineering, software, installation, freight, travel, and subcontractor costs.Create and maintain internal costing models, estimating tools, pricing databases, and supporting documentation.Analyze project costs to identify potential risks, opportunities, and value-engineering alternatives.Compare estimates against historical project results and lessons learned to improve estimating accuracy.Update estimates as project requirements and scopes evolve.Vendor and Supplier CoordinationDevelop and maintain relationships with equipment suppliers, integrators, subcontractors, and other project partners.Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation to vendors and subcontractors.Evaluate vendor proposals for pricing, technical compliance, lead times, scope coverage, and commercial terms.Coordinate with suppliers to clarify requirements, obtain budgetary pricing, and resolve quotation discrepancies.Partner with Procurement to understand supplier pricing, market conditions, and sourcing opportunities.Support supplier performance and strategic sourcing initiatives.Proposal DevelopmentCollaborate with Sales and Applications Engineering to develop customer-facing proposals.Prepare commercial cost summaries, pricing packages, bid documentation, and proposal support materials.Assist in documenting project assumptions, exclusions, qualifications, and commercial terms.Participate in internal proposal reviews and approval processes before customer submission.Confirm that proposals align with company pricing strategies, approval requirements, and profitability goals.Maintain accurate documentation and audit trails supporting pricing decisions.Project Handoff and CollaborationCreate and validate detailed internal cost sheets for project review and approval.Support project handoffs to Operations, Engineering, and Project Management.Communicate pricing assumptions, vendor information, project risks, and scope details to internal stakeholders.Participate in project kickoff and lessons-learned meetings.Work with cross-functional teams to improve estimating tools, workflows, and processes.Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on the standardization and automation of estimating activities.What We're Looking ForStrong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to interpret technical drawings, equipment specifications, layouts, and project requirements.High attention to detail with a commitment to producing accurate, well-supported estimates.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Ability to collaborate effectively with Sales, Engineering, Procurement, Operations, Project Management, and external suppliers.Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.Ability to identify project risks, scope gaps, and cost-saving opportunities.Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel.Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.Experience with ERP systems, estimating software, CRM platforms, or project management tools is a plus.Knowledge of conveyor systems, robotics, controls, automated storage systems, or other material handling technologies is a plus.Education and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field is preferred.An equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant professional experience will be considered.Two to five years of experience in estimating, engineering support, project coordination, procurement, construction, manufacturing, systems integration, or a related technical environment is preferred.Experience reviewing technical drawings, project specifications, equipment selections, or vendor quotations is preferred.Previous experience collaborating with Engineering, Sales, Procurement, Operations, or Project Management teams is preferred.Experience within material handling, automation, industrial equipment, manufacturing, systems integration, or construction is a plus.Why You'll Love Working at PengateCompetitive compensationComprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coveragePaid vacation and sick timePaid holidays401(k) retirement plan with company matchShort- and long-term disability insuranceContinued training and professional developmentCareer advancement opportunitiesJob stability within a strong and growing organizationPengate Handling Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Pengate Handling Systems Inc