Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Estimator

Location: Greater Milwaukee Area

Hire Type: Contract to Direct Hire

Shift: Monday–Friday

Compensation: $75,000–$95,000/year (Based on experience)

Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Overview:

Our client is seeking a detail-oriented Estimator to support custom machining and metal fabrication projects. This role is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates by evaluating material costs, labor, machining operations, fabrication processes, outside services, production schedules, and lead times. The Estimator will work closely with Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, and Production to develop competitive quotations while ensuring projects align with manufacturing capabilities, customer requirements, DFARS/FAR compliance, and profitability goals.

Job Duties:

• Review customer drawings, specifications, and RFQs to prepare accurate project estimates.
• Estimate material, labor, machining, fabrication, welding, outside processing, and production costs.
• Evaluate machining methods, fabrication requirements, equipment capabilities, and production schedules.
• Obtain and review supplier and subcontractor quotes, ensuring pricing and lead times meet customer requirements.
• Ensure estimates account for outside processing, vendor lead times, and DFARS/FAR compliance when applicable.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, and Production to develop competitive proposals.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and recommend cost-saving solutions.
• Support Project Managers by monitoring project budgets and estimating accuracy throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain estimating records, historical cost data, and project documentation.
• Participate in post-project reviews to improve estimating processes and accuracy.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of estimating experience in a manufacturing, machining, or metal fabrication environment or equivalent hands-on machining/fabrication experience.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, including 3-axis and 4-axis machining centers.
• Experience with metal fabrication, welding, and large weldments is highly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, material costs, labor costing, outside processing, production scheduling, and supplier lead times.
• Familiarity with DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) and FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) requirements is highly preferred.
• Experience working with manufacturing ERP systems (JobBOSS preferred).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.

Must Have Skill Set:

• 3+ years of estimating experience in a machining, metal fabrication, or manufacturing environment OR hands-on machining/fabrication experience with an interest in estimating
• Experience reading blueprints and engineering drawings
• Strong understanding of machining processes, fabrication, welding, and manufacturing operations
• Experience estimating material, labor, outside services, and production schedules
• Familiarity with DFARS/FAR requirements for government or defense-related manufacturing
• ERP experience (JobBOSS preferred)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

**Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation,