Engineer Estimator

Location: Kemp, Texas (on-site)

Department: Engineering / Estimating

Reports To: Engineering Manager / Director of Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Our client is seeking an Engineer/Estimator to develop accurate project cost estimates and support engineering design for fabrication projects ranging from standard industrial work to aerospace/defense-grade assemblies. This role bridges the gap between client specifications, engineering design, and shop-floor feasibility — producing estimates that reflect true material, labor, and process costs while ensuring designs are sound, code-compliant, and manufacturable in-house.

Key Responsibilities

• Review project specifications, drawings, and RFQs to develop detailed, accurate cost estimates covering material, labor, machine time, and finishing (laser cutting, forming, welding, powder coating)
• Collaborate with the engineering and detailing team to evaluate design feasibility and identify the most efficient fabrication approach
• Prepare and present formal quotes/proposals to project managers and clients, including scope clarifications and assumptions
• Analyze material requirements across carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium, sourcing accurate current pricing
• Support engineering design and calculations for structural steel members, expansion joints, conveyor components, and custom assemblies as needed
• Ensure estimates and designs align with applicable codes and standards (AISC, AWS) and, where relevant, AS9100D/ISO 9001 quality requirements
• Track historical job costs versus estimates to continuously refine estimating accuracy
• Coordinate with procurement and production scheduling to confirm capacity and lead times feeding into estimates
• Participate in project hand-off meetings with production and detailing teams to ensure a smooth transition from quote to shop floor
• Support bid preparation for expedited/emergency turnaround projects when plant downtime or urgent replacement parts are involved

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in estimating and/or engineering within structural steel, metal fabrication, or manufacturing
• Solid understanding of fabrication processes: cutting, forming, welding, and finishing
• Proficiency with estimating software and CAD tools (AutoCAD, SDS/2, Tekla, or equivalent) a plus
• Working knowledge of AISC and AWS standards; experience with AS9100D/ISO 9001 environments a plus
• Strong analytical and cost-modeling skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and client RFQs
• Excellent communication skills for client-facing proposal work and cross-department coordination
• Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, civil, or industrial) or equivalent hands-on fabrication/estimating experience preferred

What the Company Offers

• Full-service, in-house fabrication environment spanning industrial, structural, and aerospace/defense projects
• Direct impact on project profitability and client relationships through accurate, well-supported estimates
• Collaborative engineering team backed by an established, certified shop
• Opportunity to grow with a company backed by AIS Group's broader refractory, welding, and mechanical scopes

Pay: $70,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person