Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Estimator Metal Fabrication

Job Description

This Estimator role focuses on accurately forecasting project costs for metal fabrication projects by analyzing raw materials, labor, equipment, tools, and transportation requirements. You will compile detailed cost estimates based on order specifications and bills of materials, while working closely with customers and internal fabrication teams to support successful, on-time delivery. The position also offers the opportunity to contribute to CNC machining programming as needed and to participate in a performance-based incentive program.

Responsibilities

• Forecast project costs by evaluating raw materials, labor, equipment, tools, and transportation requirements for each job.
• Gather detailed information and compile data to estimate all production costs according to order specifications and engineering requirements.
• Develop and maintain accurate bills of materials (BOM) to calculate the full cost of each project.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications to ensure precise and complete cost estimates.
• Incorporate applicable standards, such as ASTM and ASI, into cost estimates and project planning where required.
• Collaborate closely with the internal metal fabrication team, including welding and machining personnel, to validate estimates and support efficient production.
• Engage directly with customers via email, calls, and meetings to clarify requirements, discuss estimates, and support ongoing projects.
• Assist with CNC machining programming as needed to support production and ensure accurate execution of project specifications.
• Use estimating software and productivity tools to prepare, update, and track project estimates and related documentation.
• Leverage AutoCAD and SolidWorks to review or reference engineering models and drawings when preparing estimates.
• Maintain high attention to detail to ensure accuracy in all cost estimates, documentation, and customer communications.
• Contribute to on-time delivery by providing timely estimates and supporting coordination between customers and internal teams.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying cost-saving opportunities and sharing feedback with engineering and fabrication teams.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience in estimation, including preparing detailed cost estimates and bills of materials (BOM).
• At least 2 years of experience reviewing and interpreting engineering drawings and blueprints.
• At least 2 years of experience working in a metal fabrication environment.
• Proficiency with estimating software for compiling and managing project cost data.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications.
• Knowledge of ASTM and ASI standards relevant to metal fabrication projects.
• Hands-on understanding of metal fabrication processes, including aluminum work, welding, and machining processes.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for reviewing and working with engineering drawings.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks for viewing and understanding 3D models and related documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including strong skills in Excel for cost calculations and data analysis.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate and reliable estimates.
• Effective customer engagement skills, including professional communication via email, phone calls, and meetings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering or related associate degree.
• Experience in welding and/or machining, providing practical insight into fabrication processes.
• Experience supporting CNC machining programming.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal fabrication, engineering, and production teams.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple estimates and projects concurrently.
• Comfort working with performance-based incentive structures tied to metrics such as gross margin and production output.

Work Environment

This role operates in a metal fabrication environment, working closely with welding, machining, and fabrication teams. The schedule follows a Monday through Friday workweek, providing consistent weekday hours. You will frequently work with engineering drawings, blueprints, and digital models using tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks, as well as estimating software and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel. The environment emphasizes collaboration between estimators, engineers, and production staff to achieve on-time delivery and high-quality outcomes. The position participates in a structured incentive program, with quarterly performance-based incentives calculated from metrics such as gross margin and pounds sold, creating a strong link between individual contributions and overall rewards.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

The pay range for this position is $40.80 - $48.20/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

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.