Steel Estimator

Job Description: Structural Steel Estimator Position Overview

The Structural Steel Estimator is responsible for providing accurate, comprehensive cost estimates for structural steel, miscellaneous steel, and various fabrication projects. This role works closely with Company Management, Project Management, and Shop Superintendents to bridge the gap between initial customer concepts and finalized production workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Detailed Estimating: Use FabTrol MRP Software to perform material takeoffs, calculate buyout items, weights, and surface areas, and estimate required shop/division labor hours.
• Coating & Finishing: Estimate coating and painting requirements through specialized software.
• Technical Analysis: Read and interpret construction blueprints, shop drawings, and conceptual sketches. Provide technical recommendations or alternatives that meet client needs.
• Project Scoping: Translate customer "wishes" into awarded projects, even when blueprints are not yet finalized or available.
• Documentation Management: Maintain a traceable, auditable filing system for job numbering, proposals, sub-quotes, and all customer communications (transmittals and logs).
• Coordination: Work with suppliers to understand lead times, negotiate realistic timelines, and manage subcontract work and billing requirements.
• Internal Collaboration: Coordinate daily with Purchasing, Superintendents, Foremen, Shipping, and Warehouse staff to ensure estimates are realistic and aligned with company processes.
  
  

Required Skills & Abilities

• Steel Knowledge: Strong understanding of steel materials, structural fabrication equipment, and industry expectations.
• Software Proficiency: Demonstrated ability working with Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel) and project scheduling. Knowledge of FabTrol MRP is a significant plus (in-house training provided).
• Problem Solving: Ability to "think outside the box" and provide technical assistance to customers during the quoting phase.
• Communication: Clear and concise oral and written communication skills; ability to maintain professional ethics in all internal and external relationships.
• Contract Literacy: Basic understanding of contracts, negotiations, confidentiality, and legal obligations.
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 5 years of estimating structural steel, miscellaneous steel, and other fabrication projects is preferred.
• Technical Aptitude: A working knowledge of fabrication equipment and how it is utilized throughout the production process.
• Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday (8 hours per day / 40 hours per week).