What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sample Designer-Estimator - Manufacturing /Production position at W3Global?
Job Title: Sample Designer / Estimator
Location: Corporate Headquarters - Pittsfield, MA
Job Type: Full-Time
Workplace Type: Onsite
Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Reports To: Manager, Project Management and Design
Travel Required: Up to 25%
Compensation: Up to $90,000 annually (based on experience)
Position Summary
The Sample Designer / Estimator is a highly technical, cross-functional role responsible for project quoting, cost estimating, CAD design, process engineering support, quality assurance, and research & development. This position plays a critical role in bringing new products and samples from concept through prototype and into production while ensuring cost efficiency, quality standards, and safety compliance.
The Sample Designer / Estimator works closely with Sales, Production, Purchasing, Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to develop accurate estimates, design detailed drawings and bills of materials, support prototype fabrication, and improve manufacturing processes. This role also supports equipment programming, CNC routing, and specialty manufacturing processes, while maintaining and updating CAD drawings and documentation across the organization.
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong designer/estimator who enjoys hands-on involvement in manufacturing, continuous improvement, and innovation.
Essential Job Functions
Quoting & Cost Estimation
Education & Experience
Compensation & Incentives
Location: Corporate Headquarters - Pittsfield, MA
Job Type: Full-Time
Workplace Type: Onsite
Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Reports To: Manager, Project Management and Design
Travel Required: Up to 25%
Compensation: Up to $90,000 annually (based on experience)
Position Summary
The Sample Designer / Estimator is a highly technical, cross-functional role responsible for project quoting, cost estimating, CAD design, process engineering support, quality assurance, and research & development. This position plays a critical role in bringing new products and samples from concept through prototype and into production while ensuring cost efficiency, quality standards, and safety compliance.
The Sample Designer / Estimator works closely with Sales, Production, Purchasing, Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to develop accurate estimates, design detailed drawings and bills of materials, support prototype fabrication, and improve manufacturing processes. This role also supports equipment programming, CNC routing, and specialty manufacturing processes, while maintaining and updating CAD drawings and documentation across the organization.
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong designer/estimator who enjoys hands-on involvement in manufacturing, continuous improvement, and innovation.
Essential Job Functions
Quoting & Cost Estimation
- Review all estimate and sample requests in collaboration with Sales and Production teams to define accurate specifications
- Develop detailed cost estimates for new products using manufacturing time studies and purchasing input
- Evaluate fabrication methods and raw material usage to determine the most cost-effective manufacturing approach
- Support pricing accuracy and consistency through strong cross-functional communication
- Create, revise, and maintain detailed CAD drawings to support production and prototyping
- Generate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) that meet manufacturing and production requirements
- Clearly communicate specifications, layouts, and assembly procedures to manufacturing teams
- Maintain drawing and documentation accuracy throughout the product lifecycle
- Lead or coordinate the design and fabrication of prototypes and samples
- Collaborate with manufacturing and purchasing teams to evaluate:
- New manufacturing processes
- Alternate raw materials
- Cost-saving and quality-improving solutions
- Analyze production capabilities, identify manufacturing challenges, and present recommendations to management
- Develop process specifications for equipment operation and detailed assembly procedures
- Generate CNC programs to support CNC router equipment
- Provide technical support for specialty equipment and processes, including:
- Thermwood CNC Router
- Tecnema tile saw
- Layered sample and specialty manufacturing projects
- Review SDS documentation and determine PPE and safety requirements for new products and samples
- Partner with the Plant Manager to guide and train QA technicians on inspection requirements
- Manage and track First Piece Sign-Offs (FPSOs)
- Collaborate with QA and manufacturing teams to identify and resolve quality issues
- Establish and maintain quality standards for new products to support efficiency and consistency
- Prepare corrective action reports and define procedures for internal and external quality discrepancies
- Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership, including Manufacturing, Engineering, Safety, and Plant Management
- Travel to company branches and customer locations as required
- Support continuous improvement, training, and safety initiatives
- Perform other duties as assigned
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree OR 4-7 years of related experience and/or training (or equivalent combination)
- Strong background in estimating, CAD design, manufacturing processes, and technical problem-solving
- Strong proficiency in CAD software, particularly SolidWorks (required)
- Ability to read and interpret:
- Safety rules
- Operating and maintenance instructions
- Technical procedure manuals
- Strong mathematical aptitude, including:
- Geometry and trigonometry
- Ratios, percentages, fractions, and proportions
- Probability and statistical inference
- Ability to interpret complex technical instructions and diagrams
- Experience using or working with:
- Scales, tape measures, pull testers
- Fork trucks, CO₂ monitors, raw materials, and power tools
- Knowledge of 3D printing (preferred)
- Proficiency with:
- MS Office Suite (advanced Excel, Pivot Tables)
- MS Access databases
- Internet research tools
- Visio flow charting software
- Project management tools
- CAD/TurboCAD or similar design software
- Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk
- Occasionally required to lift or move up to 50 pounds
- Exposure to both office and manufacturing environments
- Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts
- Moderate noise levels typical of manufacturing and office settings
- Ability to navigate stairs and production areas as needed
Compensation & Incentives
- Competitive salary up to $90,000 annually
- Annual performance reviews with potential merit increases (April 1 cycle)
- Discretionary year-end bonus program available after 1 year of service
- Vacation:
- 3 weeks (120 hours), accrued weekly from first paycheck
- Available after 90 days
- 4 weeks after 15 years of service
- Paid Holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day After Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
- Sick Leave: 1 week (40 hours), effective immediately
- Birthday/Floater Day: 1 paid day (8 hours), effective immediately
- Medical Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield) - eligibility effective immediately
- PPO Preferred plan with company-funded HRA
- HSA-compatible Saver plan available
- Dental Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield) - eligibility on first day
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Company match: 25% of contributions up to 6%
- Eligibility after 6 months
- High-impact role combining design, estimating, engineering, and manufacturing
- Opportunity to influence product development and cost strategy
- Stable, well-established organization with strong benefits
- Hands-on involvement with cutting-edge equipment and processes
- Long-term career growth in a collaborative environment