What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Estimator position at Fitz-Thors Manufacturing, Inc.?
Overview
Join our dynamic manufacturing team as a Manufacturing Estimator, where your expertise will drive the accurate forecasting and planning of production costs and timelines. In this vital role, you will leverage your technical proficiency and supply chain management skills to analyze project specifications, develop detailed cost estimates, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturing efficiency. Your proactive approach will help optimize resource allocation, streamline production processes, and support strategic decision-making to meet customer demands and business objectives.
Duties
- Analyze complex drawings and 3D CAD models to determine the most efficient manufacturing sequences that meet the required specifications.
- Calculate precise costs for raw materials, hardware, specialized coatings, and outside vendor services to ensure competitive pricing.
- Estimate labor hours for CNC machining, welding, fabrication, and assembly.
- Collaborate with internal teams and customers to identify "Design for Manufacturability" (DFM) improvements that reduce costs for the client.
- Utilize ERP and MRP software to manage RFQ packages and maintain accurate historical pricing data.
- Source and evaluate quotes from external suppliers for specialized components or finishing processes.
- Mitigate financial risk by identifying potential manufacturing bottlenecks or material price fluctuations during the bidding phase.
- Support the sales and project management teams by providing technical justifications for project timelines and budget requirements.
- Perform PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and related risk-management processes for new projects.
- Develop project timelines based on shop capacity, material lead times, and organizational priority.
- Participate in project postmortem evaluations to compare estimated vs. actual costs and refine future bidding accuracy.
Qualifications
- A deep understanding of manufacturing methods including machining, fabrication, and specialized coatings.
- CAD/CAM familiarity to access 3D models and pull measurements; SolidWorks and MasterCAM experience is preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to explain DFM suggestions and provide clear cost justifications.
- 3 years operating in a precision manufacturing or job shop environment.
- Experience in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is highly preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel & other Office software required.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and navigate a dynamic shop floor environment.
- Due to U.S. export control laws, applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and qualify as a ‘U.S. person’ under ITAR.
Pay: From $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you competent in using CAD/CAM software (i.e. SolidWorks, MasterCAM)?
- Do you have a deep understanding of manufacturing methods including machining, fabrication, and specialized coatings?
- Do you have strong verbal and written communication skills?
Experience:
- Manufacturing: 3 years (Required)
- GD&T: 1 year (Preferred)
- Microsoft Excel: 1 year (Required)
Language:
- English (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Bessemer, AL 35022 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $60,000