Entry-Level Estimator – Boilermaker or Mechanical Fitter to Estimator Pathway

DGH Engineering; Emerald; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Super paid on hours up to 50 per week

Long-term employment with growing biz

Training and support from experienced估

Team-focused working environment

Employee Assistance Program

Career path beyond the tools

Job summary

DGH Engineering in Emerald is seeking an Entry-Level Estimator pathing from a Boilermaker or Mechanical Fitter. You’ll transition from on-site trades to estimating, learning to price projects and read drawings.

You don’t need prior estimating experience; we’ll train you with support from experienced estimators, covering material take-offs, scope review, and tender preparation to develop a long-term career beyond the tools.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification as Boilermaker or Mechanical Fitter
• Ability to read and understand engineering, fabrication and mechanical drawings
• Willingness to learn estimating software and systems
• Strong attention to detail and practical problem-solving mindset

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of detailed project estimates
• Review drawings, specifications and project documentation
• Develop material and labour take-offs
• Assist with costing materials, labour and equipment
• Liaise with project managers, supervisors, suppliers and subcontractors
• Support tender and quotation preparation
• Learn estimating software and systems
• Identify potential project risks and cost-saving opportunities
• Develop understanding of commercial and project requirements
• Ensure estimates are practical and achievable

Skills

Trade qualification

Read drawings

Attention to detail

Communication

Willingness to learn software

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Entry-Level Estimator – Boilermaker or Mechanical Fitter to Estimator Pathway

Ready for a career change?

Are you a trade qualified Boilermaker or Mechanical Fitter who enjoys understanding how things are built, solving problems and working out what a job really takes — but you're ready to move away from the tools?

DGH is looking for a trade qualified Boilermaker or Mechanical Fitter to join our team in Emerald as an Entry-Level Estimator but to still earn Tradie $$$$.

This is an opportunity to take the knowledge and experience you've built on the tools and turn it into a rewarding career in estimating.

You don't need previous estimating experience.

You know how the job gets done. Now learn how to price it.

We'll teach you the estimating side of the business and support you as you develop the skills needed to succeed.

Your practical trade knowledge, understanding of fabrication, mechanical work, site activities and ability to read engineering drawings will give you a strong foundation for a career in estimating.

Why make the move?

• Understand fabrication, mechanical and site work scopes
• Read and interpret engineering, fabrication and mechanical drawings
• Identify materials, labour, equipment and other project requirements
• Understand how long jobs realistically take
• Identify potential challenges before work begins
• Work with project managers, supervisors and tradespeople
• Develop accurate and competitive project estimates
• Apply your practical experience to real-world project costing

Most importantly, you'll be able to build a new career while continuing to use the skills and knowledge you've developed as a tradesperson.

About the role

Working alongside our experienced team, you'll be trained and supported to develop your estimating skills and build your understanding of the commercial side of projects.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the preparation of detailed project estimates
• Reviewing drawings, specifications and project documentation
• Developing material and labour take-offs
• Assisting with costing materials, labour and equipment
• Liaising with project managers, supervisors, suppliers and subcontractors
• Supporting tender and quotation preparation
• Learning estimating software and systems
• Identifying potential project risks and cost-saving opportunities
• Developing your understanding of commercial and project requirements
• Using your trade knowledge to help ensure estimates are practical and achievable

About you

We're looking for someone who has real experience on the tools and wants to take the next step in their career.

You will ideally have:

• A trade qualification as a Boilermaker or Mechanical Fitter
• Solid fabrication, mechanical and/or site experience
• The ability to read and understand engineering, fabrication and mechanical drawings
• A good understanding of materials, fabrication processes, mechanical work and labour requirements
• Strong attention to detail
• Good computer skills and a willingness to learn new software
• Good communication and organisational skills
• A practical, problem-solving mindset
• The motivation to develop a long‑term career outside of the tools
• A genuine interest in learning how projects are planned, costed and delivered

Previous estimating experience is not required.

What matters most to us is your trade knowledge, attitude, attention to detail and willingness to learn.

Your earning potential

We understand that making a career change can be a big decision.

That’s why this opportunity is designed for an experienced tradesperson who wants to transition into a professional estimating career without walking away from the earning potential they’ve worked hard to achieve.

Your remuneration will be competitive with your current trade earning potential, with the opportunity to grow as your estimating experience, knowledge and responsibilities develop.

What DGH offers

At DGH, we’re committed to supporting our people as they develop their careers.

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Super paid on all hours worked up to 50 hours per week
• Long-term employment with a growing business
• Training and support from experienced estimators and project personnel
• A supportive, team-focused working environment
• Employee Assistance Program
• The opportunity to build a long‑term career beyond the tools

Ready for your next chapter?

If you’re a Boilermaker or Mechanical Fitter in Emerald who is ready to get off the tools, use your trade experience in a different way and build a long-term career in estimating, we’d like to hear from you.

You already know how the job gets done. Now learn how to price it.