Senior Estimator / Chief Estimator

Pay: $93,000–$115,000 per year

Job Type: Full-Time

Industry: Manufacturing

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator / Chief Estimator with approximately 10 years of industrial fabrication estimating experience to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of fabricated steel, industrial piping, sheet metal, and industrial fabrication projects, along with the ability to develop accurate and competitive cost estimates.

The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing drawings and specifications, performing material takeoffs, calculating labor and production costs, coordinating with vendors and subcontractors, and preparing detailed bids and proposals. This individual will work closely with engineering, purchasing, production, project management, and customers to ensure estimates accurately reflect project requirements, costs, and timelines.

Candidates should have strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to lead estimating activities in a fast-paced industrial fabrication environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and competitive bids for industrial fabrication and manufacturing projects.
• Review blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and project documents to determine project scope and requirements.
• Perform material takeoffs and calculate quantities, fabrication hours, labor costs, equipment expenses, subcontractor costs, and overhead.
• Estimate costs associated with fabricated steel, industrial piping, structural components, and other industrial fabrication work.
• Analyze production requirements, fabrication processes, material specifications, and project schedules to develop accurate estimates.
• Request and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes to determine competitive pricing.
• Identify potential project risks, scope gaps, cost variables, and other factors that may affect project profitability.
• Prepare detailed proposals, bid packages, pricing breakdowns, and supporting estimating documentation.
• Communicate with customers, engineers, vendors, and internal departments to clarify project specifications and estimating requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, production, and project management teams to validate labor assumptions, material requirements, and fabrication methods.
• Review historical project costs and maintain estimating databases to improve accuracy and consistency.
• Evaluate change orders, revised drawings, and scope modifications to determine cost impacts.
• Establish and maintain estimating procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Lead estimating activities and help prioritize bids, deadlines, and project opportunities.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and support to junior estimators as needed.
• Monitor industry pricing, material costs, and labor trends to maintain competitive and accurate estimates.

Qualifications:

• Approximately 10 years of experience in industrial fabrication estimating or a closely related manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in fabricated steel, industrial piping, structural fabrication, or related industrial projects.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and bills of materials.
• Experience performing material takeoffs, labor calculations, and detailed cost breakdowns.
• Knowledge of fabrication processes, production requirements, materials, and manufacturing methods.
• Experience obtaining vendor and subcontractor pricing and evaluating quotations.
• Understanding of project costing, overhead allocation, profit margins, and bid preparation.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet strict bid deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Previous leadership or mentoring experience is preferred for Chief Estimator candidates.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience estimating large-scale industrial fabrication projects.
• Familiarity with industrial piping systems, pressure-related components, structural steel, or custom metal fabrication.
• Experience working with engineering, purchasing, production, and project management teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
• Experience maintaining historical cost databases and developing standardized estimating procedures.
• Previous experience leading an estimating department or overseeing multiple estimators.