Demo

Cost Estimator

Thunderbird Molding
Elkhart, IN Full Time
POSTED ON 6/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/3/2026
Cost Estimator Position Overview

The Cost Estimator leads in the planning and development of budgetary estimates and quotations for equipment and tooling investment (hard cost) in support of both New Model and Business Plan engineering projects. The role involves utilizing analytical and technical skills to provide accurate cost projections, ensuring that projects are financially viable and competitive. Cost Estimators collaborate with various departments, contractors, and suppliers to gather relevant information and create detailed cost estimates.

Cost Estimator Essential Functions

  • Valuates feasibility of customer requests for quotation.
  • Prepares quotations for piece parts, assemblies, and tooling.
  • Interfaces with customers and subcontractors on matters related to tooling and piece part quotes.
  • Controls Customer and Plastics drawings and related documents.
  • Selects and evaluates subcontractors.
  • Schedules and purchases material required for prototype runs.
  • Participates on multi-disciplinary teams for product quality planning.
  • Performs other duties that may be assigned.

Cost Estimator Required Experience

  • Knowledge of costing methods, volume calculations, print reading, 3-D visualization.
  • Ability to write reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers, subcontractors, and employees.
  • Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry to practical cost estimating situations.
  • Ability to use computer software such as word processing and spreadsheets.

Cost Estimator Physical Demands and Work Environment

  • This position requires you to be onsite daily.
  • This position is primarily in an office environment.
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to establish trust, credibility, and rapport at all levels of the organization; seen as humble, direct, and authentic while possessing professional presence.

Company Overview

At Thunderbird, the collaborative relationship with our parent and partner companies allows us to better serve our customers – now and in the future. The Thunderbird family of American Manufacturing companies is driven by a mission to provide superior products and services, from prototype to delivery. Our dedicated leadership team's enduring vision is to hold and grow our companies to meet the higher needs of our global customers. We are guided by the unified pursuit of excellence, teamwork, and innovation. Thunderbird enables people to grow, companies to soar, and customers to succeed.

Benefits

  • 401(k) with matching program.
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 9 Paid Holidays

Thunderbird is a drug and smoke free work environment and promotes safe work conditions. #tbmanufacturing

Salary.com Estimation for Cost Estimator in Elkhart, IN
$54,909 to $67,240
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Cost Estimator?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Cost Estimator career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$54,130 - $69,968
Income Estimation: 
$60,636 - $78,492
Income Estimation: 
$54,130 - $69,968
Income Estimation: 
$60,636 - $78,492
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Thunderbird Molding

  • Thunderbird Molding St Louis, MO
  • Customer Service Representative Position Overview As a Customer Service Representative, you will be responsible for providing a high level of enthusiastic,... more
  • 8 Days Ago

  • Thunderbird Molding Greensboro, NC
  • Customer Service Representative Position Overview As a Customer Service Representative, you will be responsible for providing a high level of enthusiastic,... more
  • 8 Days Ago

  • Thunderbird Molding St Louis, MO
  • Welder Fabricator Overview The Welder Fabricator will be responsible for fabricating and welding complex components using advanced techniques and tools. Th... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Thunderbird Molding St Louis, MO
  • We are seeking a skilled Die Setter to join our manufacturing team. The ideal candidate will have experience in die setting and machine setup to ensure eff... more
  • 12 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Cost Estimator jobs in the Elkhart, IN area that may be a better fit.

  • THUNDERBIRD LLC Elkhart, IN
  • Cost Estimator Position Overview The Cost Estimator leads in the planning and development of budgetary estimates and quotations for equipment and tooling i... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Advatix, Inc. Sturgis, MI
  • Estimator Location: Sturgis, Michigan Status: Full-Time Role Summary The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and timely cost estimates for spec... more
  • 10 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!