What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fabrication Estimator-Project Manager position at Youngstown Pipe and Steel, LLC?
Fabrication Estimator / Project Manager
Job Summary
The Fabrication Estimator / Project Manager is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates and managing fabrication projects from initial inquiry through completion.
Core Mission: Own and optimize the RFQ-to-Ship workflow by ensuring work is capacity-aligned, fully defined before release, and flows through production without disruption. This role is accountable for improving throughput, reducing expediting, and supporting on-time delivery.
This role requires strong technical knowledge of fabrication processes, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to coordinate across departments to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating Duties
Job Summary
The Fabrication Estimator / Project Manager is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates and managing fabrication projects from initial inquiry through completion.
Core Mission: Own and optimize the RFQ-to-Ship workflow by ensuring work is capacity-aligned, fully defined before release, and flows through production without disruption. This role is accountable for improving throughput, reducing expediting, and supporting on-time delivery.
This role requires strong technical knowledge of fabrication processes, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to coordinate across departments to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating Duties
- Review customer drawings, specifications, and RFQs (Requests for Quotation)
- Prepare detailed cost estimates including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontracted services
- Convert RFQs into estimated production hours
- Evaluate new work against current and projected shop capacity
- Identify risks including potential bottlenecks and capacity constraints
- Analyze project requirements to identify risks, opportunities, and cost-saving measures
- Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes
- Maintain and update estimating databases and cost histories
- Communicate with customers to clarify project scope and requirements
- Oversee projects from award through production and final delivery
- Develop project timelines, budgets, and production plans
- Coordinate with engineering, production, purchasing, and quality teams
- Ensure all jobs are 100% ready before release to production (drawings complete, material available, routing defined, clear instructions)
- Monitor project progress and adjust schedules/resources as needed
- Monitor shop load vs capacity and identify current and upcoming constraints
- Ensure compliance with specifications, codes, and company standards
- Manage change orders and communicate impacts on cost and schedule
- Serve as primary point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Manufacturing, or related field OR equivalent experience in fabrication estimating and/or project management.
- Strong understanding of fabrication processes (e.g., welding, machining, metal forming, assembly)
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints
- Proficiency in estimating software and ERP systems
- Strong math, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to think in terms of system flow, capacity, and constraints
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks)
- Knowledge of materials (steel, aluminum, stainless, etc.)
- Working knowledge of TOC, lean manufacturing, and/or continuous improvement practices
- PMP certification or equivalent project management training (a plus)
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Time management and multitasking
- Leadership and team coordination
- Cost control and budgeting
- Customer-focused mindset
- Proactive, systems-based thinking (anticipates problems before they impact production)
- Combination of office and shop floor environment
- May require occasional site visits or travel
- Fast-paced, deadline-driven setting
- Competitive salary (based on experience)
- Benefits include health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans and vacation time
- On-time delivery performance
- Estimate vs. actual labor accuracy
- Reduction in expedited/disrupted jobs
- Quote-to-release cycle time
- Overall shop flow and stability