Estimator

Our client is an established and growing metal stamping and fabrication manufacturer seeking an Estimator to develop accurate, timely cost estimates for fabricated components, assemblies, prototypes, and tooling. This role works closely with engineering, programming, purchasing, accounting, and operations to develop competitive pricing while confirming manufacturability, feasibility, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare material, labor, machine, tooling, and burden cost estimates for fabricated parts and assemblies.

• Interpret customer blueprints, specifications, and CAD models to determine manufacturing processes and work centers.

• Use CAD, estimating, and nesting software to calculate blank sizes, weights, material utilization, scrap, cut times, and yields.

• Determine material and coil requirements based on part geometry, production volumes, and lot sizes.

• Estimate setup times, run times, secondary operations, outsourced processes, and transactional costs.

• Select manufacturing methods that meet customer requirements while optimizing cost, labor, and equipment utilization.

• Estimate progressive and form dies, weld fixtures, inspection devices, prototypes, and related tooling.

• Obtain supplier quotations for specialty materials and outside processing.

• Establish estimating milestones and meet required RFQ turnaround times, including 24-hour component estimates.

• Work with manufacturing engineering to conduct time studies and improve estimating standards.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.

• 2+ years of production estimating, machine operation, or programming experience.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and CAD models.

• Knowledge of metal fabrication, stamping, tooling, and secondary manufacturing processes.

• Experience with CAD, nesting, ERP, or quoting software.

• Strong cost analysis, feasibility assessment, and problem-solving skills.

• High attention to detail and accuracy.

• Technical associate degree and tooling or toolmaking experience preferred.

Gradel Pro Search (GPS) is an Industrial Search and Recruiting Services firm partnering with manufacturing, aerospace & defense, engineered products, chemicals, and industrial organizations to identify and align talent with critical business objectives.

Relationships. Guidance. Success.

We work with Fortune 500 companies, global enterprises, private equity-backed organizations, and growth-oriented manufacturers, navigating hiring across complex operational and technical environments.