Project Manager/Estimator

Company Background

Washington Equipment Manufacturing Company, Inc. (WEMCO, Inc.) is a contract manufacturer specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of productivity-enhancing solutions including overhead cranes for material handling, automated aerospace tooling and components, agricultural equipment, and custom machinery used in a variety of industries worldwide.

Founded on the principles of innovative engineering and quality craftsmanship, WEMCO's leadership team brings more than 70 years of combined experience in welding, fabrication, engineering, and heavy equipment design. Our fully integrated manufacturing facility performs nearly every aspect of production in-house, including engineering, machining, fabrication, welding, painting, assembly, testing, and installation.

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Job Purpose

The Project Manager/Estimator is responsible for both developing accurate project estimates and successfully managing awarded projects from initial customer inquiry through final completion. This position serves as a primary point of contact for customers throughout the sales and execution process while coordinating engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, and field operations to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

The successful candidate will prepare detailed cost estimates and proposals, review specifications and drawings, manage project schedules and budgets, coordinate internal resources, procure materials, communicate with customers and suppliers, and oversee project execution from kickoff through delivery and installation.

Job Responsibilities

Estimating & Sales Support

• Review customer drawings, specifications, RFQs, and project requirements.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates for labor, materials, purchased components, subcontractors, shipping, and installation.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
• Develop pricing strategies while maintaining profitability and competitiveness.
• Prepare professional proposals, quotations, and bid packages.
• Identify project risks, exclusions, assumptions, and value engineering opportunities.
• Work closely with customers to clarify project scope, specifications, and expectations.
• Participate in customer meetings, pre-bid meetings, and site visits as required.
• Assist Business Development with technical support during the quoting process.

Project Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers throughout project execution.
• Develop integrated project schedules including critical paths and key milestones.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer expectations.
• Coordinate engineering, purchasing, production, quality, shipping, and field service activities.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, labor hours, procurement, and overall project performance.
• Manage project documentation, change orders, RFIs, and customer communications.
• Negotiate scope changes and incorporate approved changes into project schedules and budgets.
• Coordinate purchasing activities and ensure timely procurement of materials and long-lead items.
• Assist Operations & Production Management with production scheduling and workload planning.
• Create work instructions that accompany fabricated parts and assemblies throughout manufacturing.
• Track project performance using appropriate metrics and provide regular status updates to executive management.
• Perform post-project reviews to evaluate project profitability, identify lessons learned, and recommend process improvements.

Technical Responsibilities

• Review engineering drawings for manufacturability and completeness.
• Perform drawing reviews and provide approvals prior to manufacturing release.
• Diagnose project issues and develop practical solutions to maintain project schedules.
• Coordinate with engineering regarding design revisions and customer-requested changes.
• Maintain accurate project records including drawings, revisions, purchase orders, schedules, and correspondence.
• Support installation planning and coordinate with field personnel when required.

Customer & Vendor Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Conduct customer meetings throughout the lifecycle of assigned projects.
• Communicate project status, schedule updates, and change notifications in a timely manner.
• Travel occasionally to customer facilities for project meetings, site evaluations, installations, or troubleshooting.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience in estimating, project management, manufacturing, heavy equipment, structural steel, overhead cranes, industrial machinery, or custom fabrication is preferred.
• We are willing to train the right candidate with strong mechanical aptitude and project coordination skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and fabrication documents.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multiple departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems is preferred.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prepare accurate cost estimates and manage project budgets.
• Clean driving record with the ability to operate company vehicles as needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Passport for occasional travel.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

• Occasional travel to customer sites and WEMCO facilities will be required for project coordination, commissioning support, and engineering reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating custom manufacturing or fabrication projects.
• Knowledge of welding, machining, fabrication, overhead cranes, or industrial equipment.
• Experience interpreting customer specifications and contract documents.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar CAD software is a plus.
• Experience with Microsoft Project or other project management software is preferred.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• Supplemental Insurance through Colonial Life
• Opportunities for Professional Development and Continuing Education
• Occasional Travel to Customer Sites and WEMCO Facilities