Cost Estimator

The Cost Estimator calculates the cost of manufacturing customer products and prepares a manufacturing plan for production. This includes reviewing customer blue prints and specifications, determining the most cost effective layout, utilizing costing formulas to determine price and working with the internal process to prepare the layout and instructions for the manufacturing plan. Lean methods are practiced to achieve process improvement in the department.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One to three years’ experience with screen printing manufacturing processes preferred.

DuraTech Industries, a global leader in printing manufacturing, is headquartered in La Crosse, WI. We proudly partner with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive, computer, electronics, industrial, and medical markets. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for talented, motivated individuals to join our team.

We work hard at making a positive, challenging and engaging work environment!

We respect and value our people and recognize their diversity as a source of creativity. We value loyalty, dedication, hard work and pride in workmanship. We dedicate ourselves to provide a safe and fun work environment; one that promotes open communication, teamwork, learning and community involvement. Our Team Members are our greatest asset; our leadership in the industries we serve has been achieved because our people are the best.

We have an opening for a Cost Estimator!

Assessment of Customer Specifications

• Reviews external customer documents (prints, samples, any written specifications) for requirements.
• Determines if required information is complete, if not, obtains any additional required information.
• Assesses raw material, ink, tooling, and processes required to manufacture the customer product.
• Determines if product can be manufactured completely in house, or if some jobs will need to be outsourced.
• Ability to maintain a neat and organized work area so others can easily access files and documentation when required.

Cost Estimation

• Determines cost for raw material, ink, tooling, and any special services.
• Utilizes costing formulas and tools to create a pricing structure for customer product.
• Reviews pricing for errors, possible required additions and/or discounts.
• Determines unit price for each unit of measure required by the customer and documents determined pricing in the internal database in a timely manner.
• Prepares an estimate of manufacturing costs and communicates the quote to the customer.
• Reviews documents for cost savings alternatives.

Preparation of Manufacturing Plan for Production

• Reviews internal production capabilities and processes used for manufacturing customer products.
• Determines if capabilities and/or processes have improved or changed since the time of cost estimate.
• Makes any necessary changes to the rough draft manufacturing plan and/or cost estimation.
• Prepares the manufacturing plan for production of the customer products.
• Determines most efficient manufacturing layout for customer products.

Skills and abilities crucial to success in this role include:

• Knowledge in mathematics with proficiency in algebra and geometry.
• Ability to work proficiently in Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, switch maps, diagrams and engineering drawings.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions.
• Ability to work with others to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to effectively and tactfully communicate with co-workers and customers.
• Ability to work independently without continued support from others.