Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Estimator

Job Description

The Estimator plays a critical role in supporting the sales and engineering teams by developing accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates for the fabrication of custom projects, with a focus on pressure vessels and heavy fabrication work. This position requires a strong understanding of fabrication processes, the ability to read and interpret blueprint drawings, and solid knowledge of geometry and trigonometry. Working closely with cross-functional teams, the Estimator ensures that proposals are technically sound, financially viable, and aligned with the organization’s capabilities and strategic goals while meeting material specifications, regulatory standards, and customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate and detailed cost estimates for the fabrication of custom projects, particularly pressure vessels and heavy fabrication work.
• Prepare and maintain bills of materials (BOMs) to support estimating activities and project proposals.
• Review and interpret blueprint drawings, specifications, and technical documents to determine project scope, materials, and labor requirements.
• Analyze material specifications, fabrication methods, and process requirements to ensure estimates are realistic and competitive.
• Apply knowledge of geometry and trigonometry to calculate dimensions, material quantities, and fabrication details.
• Incorporate relevant regulatory standards and codes (such as ASME, API, and related standards) into the estimating process to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with sales and engineering teams to develop proposals that are technically sound and aligned with company capabilities and strategic objectives.
• Use estimating software tools, including Compress and Excel-based applications, to prepare, document, and refine cost estimates.
• Support the development of competitive bids and proposals by providing clear, well-documented cost breakdowns and assumptions.
• Work closely with other team members in a small estimating group to share knowledge, refine processes, and continuously improve estimating accuracy.
• Adjust estimates as needed based on feedback, design changes, or updated customer requirements.
• Contribute to internal discussions on project feasibility and pricing strategies based on estimating insights.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 3 years of estimating experience in heavy fabrication, pressure vessels, or industrial manufacturing.
• Proficiency in developing and managing bills of materials (BOMs) for fabrication projects.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze blueprint drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong understanding of welding, rolling, machining, and finishing processes used in fabrication.
• Proficiency with estimating software tools, including Compress and Excel-based applications.
• Familiarity with ASME, API, and other relevant codes and standards applicable to pressure vessels and heavy fabrication.
• Solid knowledge of geometry and trigonometry as applied to fabrication and estimating tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when preparing cost estimates and BOMs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with sales, engineering, and shop personnel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate project requirements and cost drivers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience estimating projects involving pressure vessels, heavy fabrication, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Experience or coursework in engineering disciplines related to fabrication, mechanical design, or industrial processes.
• Experience using AutoCAD or similar tools to review or reference drawings in support of estimating.
• Ability to learn quickly from experienced team members and adapt to evolving project requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to clearly document and explain estimates and assumptions.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced project environment.

Work Environment

This position focuses on preparing BOMs and estimating the cost of pressure vessels and other heavy fabrication projects within a modest fabrication shop. The Estimator works as part of a small, close-knit team of two, providing opportunities for direct mentorship, collaboration, and shared learning as workload increases. The environment blends office-based estimating work, using software tools such as Compress and Excel, with frequent interaction with engineering, sales, and shop personnel to understand fabrication methods and constraints. The shop setting supports hands-on exposure to welding, rolling, machining, and finishing processes, enabling the Estimator to align estimates with real-world production practices.

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

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $36.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Blaine,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.