Senior Estimator – Industrial Fabrication

Startec; Calgary; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Training

Flexible environment

Dynamic work environment

Job summary

Startec Thermal and Process in Calgary seeks a Senior Estimator – Industrial Fabrication to build reliable labour and material estimates for packaged gas processing and refrigeration systems. You’ll translate shop knowledge into usable rates, templates and data tools to improve bids and production planning.

With 5+ years in estimating and fabrication, you’ll lead tool development, data analysis and cross-functional collaboration to drive accuracy and efficiency across design-build projects in

Qualifications

• 5+ years in estimating, estimation coordination, fabrication operations or manufacturing coordination.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes, labour productivity and material management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables and data analysis.
• Experience with estimating software, ERP systems or production tracking tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and improve labour and material estimating models for shop activities.
• Create and manage material estimating tools for piping, structural and miscellaneous fabrication.
• Maintain estimating data libraries, production rates, labour curves and unit-rate databases.
• Standardize estimating templates, workflows and calculation methods based on actual shop productivity.
• Update tools using lessons learned and changes in fabrication practices.
• Gather estimating inputs from fabrication teams and work with Applications Engineering, Production and project teams to ensure consistent estimating practices.
• Provide labour-hour and material estimates for bid preparation and assist with production planning and forecasting.
• Assist with implementing and optimizing estimating software and digital tools, driving automation and data integration.

Skills

Estimating expertise

Analytical thinking

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Engineering Technology or related field

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Estimating software

Production tracking tools

Job description

Senior Estimator –
Industrial Fabrication

Build reliable labour and material estimates from fabrication knowledge and project results.

LOCATION

Suite 240, 4000 Glenmore Court SE
Calgary, AB T2C 5R8

REPORTS TO

Applications Engineering Manager

TEAM

Applications Engineering, Production
and project execution teams

BUSINESS

Design-Build

Who you are

You understand how work moves through a fabrication shop and what it takes to estimate it accurately. You bring practical knowledge of labour, materials and production methods, and want to turn that experience into estimating tools that people can trust.

In Design-Build, you’ll develop and improve labour and material estimating tools for packaged gas processing and refrigeration systems. You’ll compare estimates with completed project results, identify productivity patterns and apply those lessons to the next bid. Your contribution will help Applications Engineering prepare more accurate bids and Production plan with better information.

You’ll work with Applications Engineering, Production and project execution teams to turn shop knowledge into usable rates, allowances and templates. As one of Startec’s Everyday Mavericks, you’ll ask practical questions, communicate clearly and take responsibility for accurate, consistent information that colleagues can use.

What you bring

Required technical experience

• More than 5 years of experience in estimating, estimation coordination, fabrication operations or manufacturing coordination.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes, labour productivity and material management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables and data analysis.
• Experience with estimating software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or production tracking tools.

Analytical skills and working approach

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to accuracy and consistency.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments.
• A self-motivated approach and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Assets:

• A diploma or degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Manufacturing or a related field is preferred. Equivalent fabrication shop or estimating experience may be considered.
• Experience in fabrication shops handling components such as piping, structural steel, rotating equipment and pressure vessels/exchangers is preferred.
• Experience developing estimating spreadsheets, databases or productivity tracking tools is highly desirable.

Why Startec Thermal and Process

Founded in 1976, Startec is one of the most trusted names in fit-for-purpose thermal and process solutions. With a team of over 300, we offer full asset lifecycle services, including: upfront system engineering and design, equipment fabrication, maintenance, repair and optimization to organizations across North America.

We serve as specialist partners expanding the expertise and capacity of industrial operators, new project development teams, engineering firms, and equipment manufacturers.

Sectors of focus include oil & gas, renewable energy, mining, industrial gases, petrochemicals, data centers, food and beverage, cold storage, and recreational ice facilities.

What you’ll be responsible for

Estimating Tool Development & Maintenance 30%

Estimating Models & Databases

Develop, maintain and continuously improve fabrication and assembly labour estimating models and databases for shop activities. Create and manage material estimating tools for piping, structural and miscellaneous fabrication. Maintain estimating data libraries, production rates, labour curves and unit-rate databases.

Standardization & Estimating Tool Updates

Standardize estimating templates, workflows and calculation methods. Update tools using actual shop productivity, lessons learned and changes in fabrication practices.

Data Analysis & Reporting 25%

Performance Analysis

Analyze historical project performance to validate and improve estimating accuracy. Track labour productivity metrics and material consumption trends. Support benchmarking and continuous improvement within fabrication operations.

Estimate Accuracy & Reporting

Measure labour and material estimate accuracy against actual project performance. Provide clear, timely reporting on estimating data, trends and improvement opportunities.

Collaboration & Operational Support 25%

Cross-Functional Coordination

Gather estimating inputs from fabrication teams. Work closely with Applications Engineering, Production and project execution teams to support consistent estimating practices.

Bid & Production Support

Provide labour-hour and material estimates for bid preparation. Assist with production planning and forecasting as required. Participate in post-project reviews to compare estimated and actual performance.

Systems & Process Improvement 15%

Digital Tools & Automation

Assist with implementing and optimizing estimating software and digital tools. Improve automation and data integration within estimating processes.

Documentation & Best Practices

Keep estimating documentation, databases and records accurate and current. Support the development of estimating best practices and standard operating procedures.

We offer competitive wages, training, flexible, dynamic, and exciting work environment.

We thank you for your application and interest in our organization. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.