Manufacturing Cost Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

This company is a high-growth manufacturer based in Louisa, Virginia, specializing in sheet metal fabrication,

welding, machining, coatings, and the design and build of turnkey mechanical systems. In addition to full

system integration and production, we also design custom equipment and collaborate with customers to

refine and optimize their product designs. Our capabilities include UL 508A industrial control panels and

electrical assemblies as part of broader engineered solutions.

Our capabilities are organized into five strategic verticals: Engineered Plant Equipment, OEM Equipment,

Data Infrastructure, Defense; Secure Facility Components, Exhaust Systems, and Contract

Manufacturing.

What You’ll Do:

Review project drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to develop accurate cost estimates

for sheet metal fabrication projects. You’ll evaluate material, machine time, and overhead costs; prepare

detailed budgets and competitive bids; assess risks; and work closely with engineering, production, and

purchasing teams to ensure projects are profitable, technically feasible, and delivered within scope from

quoting through production.

Daily Tasks:

Cost Analysis; Estimation

Analyze fabrication drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to prepare accurate cost

estimates for materials, labor, machine time, tooling, and finishing processes.

Bid; Quotation Support

Prepare detailed quotes, bid packages, and tender documentation for custom and production sheet metal

projects.

Quantity Takeoffs; BOM Development Coordinate with Buyer/Planner to generate Bills of Materials (BOM) and Bills of Quantities (BOQ), accounting for raw materials, purchased components, and fabrication requirements.

Source and evaluate vendor quotes for materials, laser cutting, forming, welding, coating, and outsourced

processes; negotiate pricing and lead times as needed.

Budgeting; Cost Control

Develop cost models, track actual costs against estimates, and support forecasting and margin analysis

throughout the project lifecycle.

Identify cost, material, and production risks related to tolerances, lead times, capacity, and fabrication

complexity; recommend mitigation strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with engineering, production managers, quality, and customers to ensure estimates align

with fabrication capabilities, schedules, and customer expectations.

What You Bring:

Technical Expertise

Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and fabrication specifications related to

sheet metal components and assemblies.

Analytical; Problem-Solving Skills

High attention to detail with strong mathematical and analytical skills for complex cost breakdowns and

comparisons.

Systems; Software Proficiency

Experience with estimating tools, ERP/MRP systems, and Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills

preferred.

Manufacturing; Fabrication Knowledge

Solid understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes, including cutting, forming, welding, finishing,

and assembly.

Communication; Negotiation Skills

Ability to collaborate across departments, negotiate with suppliers, and clearly present cost analyses to

internal stakeholders and customers.

Competitive pay, benefits, and long-term growth opportunity.

Millsourcing is a women-owned executive search firm specializing in professional services, workforce solutions, and strategic talent acquisition. Millsourcing partners with companies nationwide to deliver top-tier talent, strategic hiring solutions, and scalable workforce growth.

Company Description

Millsourcing is a women-owned executive search firm specializing in professional services, workforce solutions, and strategic talent acquisition. Millsourcing partners with companies nationwide to deliver top-tier talent, strategic hiring solutions, and scalable workforce growth.