Estimator - Welding & Fabrication Trade

North Coast Engineering and Mechanical; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

North Coast Engineering and Mechanical is seeking an experienced Estimator to support our growing fabrication and project work in Cairns. You’ll prepare accurate quotations across a range of fabrication and engineering projects, liaising with management, suppliers and workshop staff to reflect labour, materials and delivery timelines.

The role offers the chance to influence project outcomes, advance in a dynamic fabrication environment, and contribute to profitable, well‑scoped estimates.

Qualifications

• Previous estimating experience within fabrication, engineering or construction.
• Strong ability to read and interpret workshop drawings and specifications.
• Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• A practical and solution-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive quotations across fabrication and engineering projects.
• Collaborate with management, suppliers and workshop personnel to develop estimates reflecting project requirements, labour, materials, subcontractor costs and delivery timelines.
• Support winning work and drive project profitability through robust cost estimation.

Skills

Estimating experience

Drawings interpretation

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Organisational skills

Education

Trade background in boilermaking/fabrication

Job description

North Coast Engineering and Mechanical – Cairns QLD

North Coast Engineering (NCE) is a rapidly growing fabrication company delivering diverse projects across multiple industries.

With a significant pipeline of upcoming work and exciting plans for growth, we’re looking for an experienced Estimator to become a key part of our team and help drive the next stage of our growth.

This is more than just a quoting role. It’s an opportunity to influence project outcomes, work on interesting and varied fabrication projects, and build a long‑term career with a company that genuinely values your expertise.

Why Join North Coast Engineering?

Secure Long-Term Work

Enjoy the confidence of joining a business with a strong workload and ongoing opportunities across fabrication, construction, maintenance and project work.

Strong Earning Potential

We offer an attractive salary package for the right candidate, with opportunities to grow your role and responsibilities as the business expands.

Diverse and Interesting Projects

From custom fabrication and structural steel to maintenance and site-based projects, you’ll work on a wide variety of jobs that keep every day different.

Be a Key Decision Maker

Your estimates directly influence project success. You’ll work closely with management and play an important role in securing and delivering profitable work.

As our business grows, so do the opportunities for our people. This role offers genuine career progression into senior estimating, project management or operational leadership positions.

Help Build Better Systems

You’ll have the opportunity to improve quoting processes, develop systems and contribute ideas that make a real impact on the business.

Join a Great Team

Work alongside experienced tradespeople, supervisors and management in a supportive environment that values teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.

About the Role

As our Estimator, you’ll be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive quotations across a variety of fabrication and engineering projects.

You will work closely with management, suppliers and workshop personnel to develop estimates that reflect project requirements, labour needs, materials, subcontractor costs and delivery timelines.

This role would suit someone with fabrication industry experience who enjoys problem-solving, analysing project requirements and playing a key role in winning work.

About You

To be successful in this role you will have:

Previous estimating experience within the fabrication, engineering or construction industry

A trade background in boilermaking, fabrication or a related field desirable

Strong ability to read and interpret workshop drawings and specifications

Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy

Strong communication and organisational skills

A practical and solution-focused approach