Senior Manufacturing Estimator #hiringnow

General Stamping & Metalworks is committed to aggressive growth and operational excellence. The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, timely cost estimates for metal fabricated parts, assemblies, prototypes, and tooling. This role plays a critical part in ensuring competitive pricing while supporting manufacturability, feasibility, and customer requirements.

The Estimator ensures:

• Component part estimates within 24 hours of RFQ receipt
• Prototype and tooling estimates by customer-required due dates

Reporting & Working Relationships

The Estimator reports directly to the Estimating Manager and works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Programming, Accounting, Purchasing, and Operations to deliver complete and accurate estimates.

This position does not have direct reports but is expected to identify and communicate concerns related to tolerances, feasibility, tooling, or process risks to the appropriate teams for resolution.

Estimator – Metal Fabricated Parts & Assemblies

• Estimate material, labor, machine, and burden costs for fabricated metal parts and assemblies
• Interpret customer blueprints, specifications, and models to define manufacturing processes
• Utilize CAD and estimating software to:
• • Develop flat blank sizes and weights
  • Determine material utilization and scrap
  • Calculate coil sizes and material requirements
• Use nesting software to determine cut times, part weights, and material yields
• Select appropriate work centers based on equipment capability and production requirements
• Apply production volumes and lot sizes to accurately account for setup and run times
• Develop accurate run-time estimates using established standards and calculators
• Request time studies from Manufacturing Engineering when standards are unavailable
• Apply appropriate rates for secondary and transactional costs
• Select manufacturing methods that meet customer specifications while optimizing cost, labor, and equipment utilization
• Support customer prototype development and, when required, visit customers with the Business Development Manager to understand prototype needs
• Establish project milestones and ensure estimates and deliverables meet customer timelines

Estimator – Tooling

• Estimate material, labor, machine, and burden costs for tooling, including:
• • Progressive and form dies
  • Weld fixtures
  • Inspection devices
• Interpret prints and CAD models to determine tooling approach, process flow, and required work centers
• Calculate material requirements and coil sizes for tooling components
• Apply appropriate cost rates and transactional charges
• Define tooling project milestones and support on-time delivery
• Assist with tooling tryout and refinement as needed
• Select tooling fabrication methods that meet design intent, quality requirements, and cost objectives

Additional Responsibilities

• Request supplier quotes for specialty raw materials and outsourced processes
• Partner with Purchasing to identify and qualify outside vendors and specialty operations
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to establish and refine estimating standards
• Participate in time studies and continuous improvement activities
• Support process improvement initiatives as requested

Job Demands & Expectations

Employees are expected to:

• Maintain current job knowledge through training, professional publications, and industry involvement
• Share key learnings with leadership and cross-functional teams
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding company operations, financial data, customer information, and employee matters

• Strong interpersonal and cross-functional communication skills
• Ability to produce clear, professional written documentation
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to read, interpret, and communicate technical drawings and specifications
• Demonstrated problem-solving and feasibility analysis skills
• Proficient with:
• • Microsoft Office Suite
  • ERP and quoting systems
  • AutoCAD or similar CAD software
  • Standard office equipment

Education

• High School Diploma (preferred)
• Technical associate degree (preferred)

Experience

• Minimum 5 years in a manufacturing production environment
• Minimum 5 years in production estimating, machine operation, or programming (required)
• Minimum 2 years in toolmaking or tooling estimating (preferred)
• Minimum 5 years in prototype estimating, machining, or programming (preferred)