Cost Estimator

Technique is looking for a Cost Estimator to join our Cost Estimating team at our Jackson, Michigan facility. This position reports to the Planning Manager. The Cost Estimator is responsible for creating accurate quotes for a wide variety of prototype and low-volume parts — including stampings, bent tubing, and assemblies — as well as related tools and fixtures. This role manages incoming CAD data and customer prints to prepare quote packages in a timely manner, creates job and purchasing routers, and utilizes SolidWorks to compare part revisions for quoting purposes.

This position is available at multiple levels (Level 1, Level 2, and Lead) based on experience and competency. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, thrives under deadlines, and has a solid foundation in manufacturing processes and cost estimating.

Responsibilities:
All Levels:

• Prepare quotes – Create quotes for prototype and low-volume stampings, bent tubing, assemblies, and related tools and fixtures.
• Manage CAD and print data – Receive and process incoming CAD data and customer prints to build complete quote packages in a timely manner.
• Overlay part revisions – Utilize SolidWorks to compare new and old part revisions to identify changes for quoting purposes.
• Create job and purchasing routers – Develop job routers and purchasing routers for distribution to the appropriate departments.
• Work safely – Follow all company and department-specific safety procedures at all times.
• Other duties as assigned – Perform additional duties as assigned by the Planning Manager.

Cost Estimator Level 1:

• Estimate material usage for bent tube and bent parts
• Enter and manage data in E2 MRP software
• Send out material quote requests for updated pricing
• Follow directions from Level 2 Cost Estimator

Cost Estimator Level 2 (includes all Level 1 responsibilities):

• Calculate material usage for drawn and formed parts with reasonable accuracy
• Interface with customers during technical discussions to support new product development
• Plan and manage work schedule based on customer and company needs
• Utilize Spaceclaim in addition to SolidWorks for part analysis

Cost Estimator Lead (includes all Level 1 and Level 2 responsibilities):

• Source specialized outside services and obtain quotes for manufacturing steps outside in-house capabilities
• Work with sales account managers and/or customers to obtain approved deviations for materials, tolerances, or specifications
• Drive ongoing improvements to the estimating and quoting process; provide visibility into mistakes or missed opportunities
• Guide and coach less experienced estimators
• Participate in the development and maintenance of estimating department processes and procedures
• Manage the KPM monthly measurables report for the quote department

Requirements:

Level 1:

• Associate's degree or equivalent; background in cost estimating or quoting preferred
• 1–2 years of experience in a related field
• Experience working with SolidWorks
• Basic understanding of GD&T and blueprint reading
• Basic understanding of metal forming, tube bending, and machining
• Basic knowledge of materials
• Basic familiarity with E2 MRP software
• Ability to multitask and perform well under deadline pressure
• Must be eligible to work in the United States

Level 2 (in addition to Level 1 requirements):

• 3–5 years of experience in a related field
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes and equipment, especially metal stampings
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and Spaceclaim
• Proficiency in E2 MRP software
• Strong organizational skills
• Extreme attention to detail; ability to accurately manage large volumes of data
• Ability to create prints and perform overlays between different part revisions
• Background with contract review (purchase orders) is a plus

Position Type and Expected Hours:
This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a minimum of 40 hours per week with overtime as needed. Note: days and hours required may vary. Flexibility is required. No travel is expected for this position.

Work Environment:
This role is primarily office-based with prolonged periods at a desk and computer. The employee is occasionally required to access the manufacturing floor, where exposure to fumes or airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, moving mechanical parts, industrial equipment, and vibration may occur. Noise levels on the floor can be loud.

Physical Demands:
The employee must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The position may occasionally require sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

About Technique, Inc.:
Technique is a Michigan-based precision sheet metal and welded assemblies manufacturer serving aerospace, defense, automotive, motorsports, medical, and food processing industries.

We specialize in high-speed prototypes, ultra-low volume stampings, tubing, and assemblies for production and emergency-based manufacturing.
Our employees enjoy a work culture that values safety, integrity, teamwork, learning opportunities, and results.

Technique benefits include paid time off, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), 401(k), 401(k) matching, professional development, referral program, paid training, on-the-job training, employee assistance program, and tuition reimbursement.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Professional Development
• Referral Program
• Paid Training
• On The Job Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Technique is an equal employment opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.