Senior Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Estimator | Manufacturing (Stamping, Fabrication, Welding)

A Midwest-based contract manufacturer is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead the development of accurate, competitive cost estimates for new and complex manufacturing opportunities.

This role is heavily focused on new product introduction and non-standard manufacturing processes, including stamping, welding, fabrication, machining, and assembly. It’s best suited for someone who enjoys early-stage quoting where process definition is still developing and strong technical judgment is required.

The Senior Estimator will translate engineering inputs, customer requirements, and early-stage process assumptions into complete cost models that define labor, cycle times, tooling, material, and overall manufacturability. Success in this role requires a mix of analytical thinking, manufacturing knowledge, and the ability to build competitive yet realistic pricing under tight timelines.

You’ll partner closely with manufacturing engineering, tooling, operations, and proposal teams to ensure timely and accurate RFQ submissions. You’ll also support and mentor junior estimators while helping drive consistency and continuous improvement across the estimating function.

What You’ll Do

• Develop detailed cost estimates for new manufacturing opportunities across stamping, welding, fabrication, machining, and assembly
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to build complete cost models
• Translate manufacturing processes into labor, material, tooling, and cycle-time assumptions
• Collaborate with engineering, tooling, and operations to define process flows and validate feasibility
• Build cost structures that balance competitiveness, margin targets, and production reality
• Identify gaps or unclear requirements and resolve technical assumptions early in the quoting process
• Support high-volume RFQ activity in a fast-paced environment
• Partner with proposal teams to assemble complete customer-ready quote packages
• Provide mentorship to junior and intermediate estimators
• Participate in occasional customer visits to improve quoting accuracy and process understanding
• Continuously improve estimating tools, methods, and costing standards

What They’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, or related field
• 5–10+ years of manufacturing estimating or cost engineering experience
• Experience quoting new products or new manufacturing processes (not just revising existing pricing)
• Background in metal manufacturing such as stamping, fabrication, or welding
• Strong understanding of cycle times, labor planning, tooling, and material flow
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
• Experience in high-volume RFQ environments preferred
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, and customers
• Experience with ERP systems (PLEX) and BI tools is a plus

About the Opportunity

This is a high-impact role within a growing Midwest manufacturing organization that invests heavily in technology, people, and continuous improvement. The environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and focused on building competitive manufacturing solutions for complex customer needs.