What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Estimator position at Featherlite Trailer Manufacturing LLC?
This role is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates for manufacturing projects by analyzing product designs, production processes, materials, and labor. The ideal candidate will have a background in industrial engineering and a strong understanding of cost analysis, manufacturing operations, and process optimization.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Analyze engineering drawings, specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), and process routings to prepare detailed cost estimates.
- Determine manufacturing costs by evaluating labor, materials, equipment usage, and overhead expenses.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, production, purchasing, and finance teams to gather accurate cost data.
- Support new product development by estimating costs during the design and prototyping phases.
- Maintain and update cost databases, historical cost records, and estimation templates.
- Identify and recommend opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
- Assist with make-or-buy analysis and vendor cost comparisons.
- Ensure compliance with internal cost standards, customer requirements, and industry best practices.
Skills, Qualifications, and Experience Requirements:
- 2–5 years of experience in cost estimation or industrial engineering within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes such as metal fabrication, welding, machining, and assembly.
- Planning and organization: an ability to plan and manage multiple projects.
- Problem analysis and problem resolution.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Computer proficiency: Word, Excel and ERP systems.
At Featherlite Exiss Sooner Holdings Co., LLC, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and employees and the workplace is free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. Employment decisions are based on merit alone, without consideration of an applicant’s or employee’s membership in any protected class.