Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

The Steel Fabrication Estimator is responsible for leading project costing and bid development for complex, custom-fabricated steel products. This role plays a critical part in driving profitability by translating drawings, specifications, and concepts into accurate, competitive estimates that reflect real-world fabrication processes. The Estimator partners closely with engineering, purchasing, and operations to ensure alignment between quoted work and production execution.

What You’ll Do

• Review drawings and specifications to develop accurate and competitive cost estimates.
• Perform detailed material takeoffs for structural steel, plate, pipe, and fabricated assemblies.
• Estimate labor across fabrication processes, including cutting, welding, machining, forming, coating, and assembly.
• Develop material pricing using current market data and supplier input.
• Collaborate with engineering and planning teams to support design-for-manufacturability and cost optimization.
• Partner with purchasing to validate vendor pricing, availability, and lead times.
• Build and maintain estimating standards, labor units, and cost databases.
• Identify project risks, cost drivers, and scope gaps during the estimating process.
• Support sales with pricing strategy to ensure competitive and profitable bids.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong expertise in steel fabrication processes, including welding, machining, forming, and finishing.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret complex structural and fabrication drawings.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and estimating software.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for cost modeling and analysis.
• Strong understanding of project-based manufacturing and custom fabrication environments.
• Knowledge of coatings, galvanizing, and finishing processes preferred.
• Experience with heavy industrial steel products is a strong advantage.
• Excellent attention to detail with a high level of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to work quickly without sacrificing accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills across engineering, operations, purchasing, and sales teams.
• Practical, hands-on mindset with a clear understanding of fabrication methods and production realities.
• Competitive, results-driven approach focused on winning profitable work.

Education | Experience

• 5+ years of experience in steel fabrication estimating required.
• Experience in custom, project-based, or engineer-to-order manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to develop accurate, competitive estimates for fabricated steel products.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• Relevant certifications such as American Society of Professional Estimators Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering Certified Cost Professional (CCP) preferred.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Sage, Epicor, SAP) and estimating software.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for cost modeling and analysis.
• Familiarity with structural steel standards (e.g., AISC) and fabrication processes.
• Knowledge of coatings, galvanizing, and finishing processes preferred.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices is a plus.

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