Should-Cost Calculator / Cost Estimator (Sheet Metal)

IDNEO; Mollet del Vallès; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

IDNEO in Spain is seeking a detail-oriented Should Cost Calculator specialized in sheet metal to quantify manufacturing costs from 2D drawings and 3D CAD models.

You will build bottom-up cost models, analyze material usage, production steps, and overhead, and benchmark supplier quotes to support procurement and design-for-manufacturability decisions. This role requires 3+ years in cost estimation and a relevant engineering degree, with CAD/tools expertise considered a plus.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in cost estimation within the Sheet Metal industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Proficiency in reading 2D drawings with GD&T knowledge.
• Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, CATIA).
• Knowledge of sheet metal manufacturing processes (laser cutting, bending, stamping, welding).
• Familiarity with cost engineering tools (aPriori, Siemens PCM, Costimator) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze 2D drawings and 3D CAD models to assess manufacturability.
• Develop bottom-up should-cost models for sheet metal parts and assemblies.
• Benchmark supplier costs and identify cost drivers for negotiation.
• Collaborate with design to reduce material waste and costs.
• Update cost databases and estimation templates for accuracy.
• Evaluate raw material usage, processes, and labor rates.

Skills

2D/3D CAD data interpretation

Cost estimation

Sheet metal knowledge

Analytical thinking

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

aPriori

Costimator

Siemens PCM

Excel (advanced)

SolidWorks / CAD tools

Job description

Our mission is to shape the future through technology

THE ROLE

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Should Cost Calculator / Cost Estimator specialized in Sheet Metal manufacturing. In this role, you will analyze technical documentation (2D engineering drawings and 3D CAD models) to calculate accurate, standard-based manufacturing costs for sheet metal components. Your cost models will reflect realistic supplier cost structures and serve as a benchmark during strategic supplier negotiations, procurement, and design-for-manufacturability (DfM) optimization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technical Data Analysis: Interpret 2D engineering drawings (GD&T, tolerances, material specifications, finishes) and 3D CAD models (STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, etc.) to evaluate manufacturing feasibility and process steps.
• Should-Cost Modeling: Develop bottom-up cost calculations for sheet metal parts and assemblies, accounting for:
• Raw material utilization and nesting efficiency.
• Laser cutting, punching, shearing, bending/forming, stamping, and welding (TIG/MIG/spot).
• Secondary operations (deburring, hardware insertion, surface treatment/powder coating, heat treatment).
• Machine hourly rates, setup times, cycle times, and labor costs.
• Overhead, tooling, logistics, and supplier profit margins based on geographic region.
• Supplier Cost Benchmarking: Provide target cost analyses to compare against vendor quotes, identifying cost drivers, discrepancies, and negotiation leverage for the procurement team.
• Design for Manufacturing (DfM) Collaboration: Work closely with design and engineering teams to propose design modifications that reduce material waste, simplify production, and minimize manufacturing costs.
• Process & Tooling Standardization: Maintain and update internal cost databases, machine rate cards, and estimation templates to continuously improve calculation accuracy.

(*) The described functions are only the most representative for this position; therefore, they should not be understood as all the inherent functions related to this job position.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in cost estimation, cost engineering, or manufacturing process engineering specifically within the Sheet Metal industry.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent hands‑on experience).
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in reading 2D technical drawings and blue prints (GD&T knowledge is essential).
• Hands‑on experience using 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, CATIA) to extract geometry and sheet metal parameters.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal manufacturing processes (laser cutting, CNC press brake bending, stamping, punching, welding, and surface finishing).
• Familiarity with cost engineering tools/software (e.g., aPriori, Siemens PCM, Costimator, or custom advanced Excel models) is a plus.
• Analytical & Commercial Mindset: Ability to break down complex manufacturing processes into precise time and cost components, with an understanding of global manufacturing cost factors.
• Language Skills: Professional proficiency in English (both written and spoken).

Nice to have

• Experience interacting directly with procurement teams or external manufacturing suppliers.
• Knowledge of tooling cost estimation (dies, forming tools, fixtures).
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles.