Estimator, Engineered Products

Estimator For Engineered Products

The Estimator for Engineered Products plays a critical role in driving profitability and competitive positioning by developing accurate, timely cost estimates for screen printed durables, engineered parts, and specialty label products. This role partners closely with Sales, Customer Service, and Manufacturing teams across multiple production locations to evaluate job specifications, determine optimal production methods, and deliver pricing that balances competitiveness with margin targets.

This is an onsite role at one of our Engineered Products/Specialty facilities, with strong preference for Newark, CA. Other specialty plants include Fountain Valley, CA & Brooklyn Center, MN.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze customer RFQs and job specifications to develop comprehensive cost estimates for screen printed durables, engineered parts, and specialty products, factoring in materials, labor, equipment utilization, and overhead.
• Determine the most efficient and economical production methods by evaluating available equipment capabilities, press configurations, and finishing processes across manufacturing locations.
• Calculate material requirements including substrates, inks, adhesives, plates, and dies, incorporating appropriate allowances for waste and spoilage.
• Review and update pricing on repeat orders, adjusting for changes in raw material costs, labor rates, freight, and other variable cost factors.
• Coordinate with Sales, Customer Service, Pre-Press, and Production teams to gather technical specifications and resolve questions on complex or custom jobs.
• Perform post-job cost analysis by comparing estimated versus actual costs, identifying variances, and recommending corrective actions to improve future estimate accuracy.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities and process improvement initiatives by analyzing trends in material usage, labor efficiency, and production throughput.
• Collaborate with cost accounting to establish and validate hourly production rates and operational standards.
• Support ISO compliance by adhering to all documented estimating procedures and quality standards.
• Advise internal teams and, when appropriate, customers on specification options that optimize cost, quality, and manufacturability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required

• Minimum 3 years of estimating experience in the printing or packaging industry.
• Strong mathematical skills including the ability to calculate proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, and unit conversions.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, diagrams, and measurement specifications.
• Proficiency with estimating software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to present information clearly to managers, sales representatives, and cross-functional teams.

Preferred

• Experience estimating screen printed durables, engineered parts, or specialty industrial products.
• Bachelor's degree is preferred; however, an Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, along with two to four years of related experience or training, will be considered.
• Working knowledge of flexographic, screen, and/or digital printing processes.
• Familiarity with pre-press workflows, substrate materials, ink systems, and finishing operations.
• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing locations or product lines.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Ability to sit for extended periods performing computer-based data entry and analysis.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional travel to manufacturing locations may be required.

Posted Pay Range: 65K - 75K base