Manufacturing Cost Estimator

Who We Are:

We are a high-growth manufacturer based in Virginia, specializing in sheet metal fabrication, welding, machining, coatings, and the design and build of turnkey mechanical systems. In addition to full system integration and production, we design custom equipment and collaborate with customers to refine and optimize their product designs. Our capabilities include UL 508A industrial control panels and electrical assemblies as part of broader engineered solutions.

Our capabilities are organized into five strategic verticals: Engineered Plant Equipment, OEM Equipment, Data Infrastructure, Defense & Secure Facility Components, Exhaust Systems, and Contract Manufacturing.

What You’ll Do:

Review project drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to develop accurate cost estimates for sheet metal fabrication projects. You’ll evaluate material, machine time, and overhead costs; prepare detailed budgets and competitive bids; assess risks; and work closely with engineering, production, and purchasing teams to ensure projects are profitable, technically feasible, and delivered within scope from quoting through production.

Daily Tasks:

Cost Analysis & Estimation

Analyze fabrication drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to prepare accurate cost estimates for materials, labor, machine time, tooling, and finishing processes.

Bid & Quotation Support

Prepare detailed quotes, bid packages, and tender documentation for custom and production sheet metal projects.

Quantity Takeoffs & BOM Development

Coordinate with Buyer/Planner to generate Bills of Materials (BOM) and Bills of Quantities (BOQ), accounting for raw materials, purchased components, and fabrication requirements.

Supplier & Subcontractor Coordination

Source and evaluate vendor quotes for materials, laser cutting, forming, welding, coating, and outsourced processes; negotiate pricing and lead times as needed.

Budgeting & Cost Control

Develop cost models, track actual costs against estimates, and support forecasting and margin analysis throughout the project lifecycle.

Risk & Feasibility Assessment

Identify cost, material, and production risks related to tolerances, lead times, capacity, and fabrication complexity; recommend mitigation strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with engineering, production managers, quality, and customers to ensure estimates align with fabrication capabilities, schedules, and customer expectations.

What You Bring:

Technical Expertise

Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and fabrication specifications related to sheet metal components and assemblies.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

High attention to detail with strong mathematical and analytical skills for complex cost breakdowns and comparisons.

Systems & Software Proficiency

Experience with estimating tools, ERP/MRP systems, and Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills preferred.

Manufacturing & Fabrication Knowledge

Solid understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes, including cutting, forming, welding, finishing, and assembly.

Communication & Negotiation Skills

Ability to collaborate across departments, negotiate with suppliers, and clearly present cost analyses to internal stakeholders and customers.

Why Join:

• Be part of a culture rooted in safety, precision, and continuous improvement
• Lead practical change in an environment with minimal red tape
• Join a company scaling quickly and building strong operational systems
• Competitive pay, benefits, and long-term growth opportunities