Should-Cost Calculator / Cost Estimator – Sheet Metal

Idneo; Mollet del Vallès; Hybrid; EUR 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Idneo is seeking a detail-oriented Should Cost Calculator / Cost Estimator specialized in Sheet Metal manufacturing in the Mollet del Vallès area, with hybrid working options.

The role focuses on analyzing technical documentation to calculate accurate, standard-based manufacturing costs for sheet metal components. You will benchmark supplier quotes, support procurement negotiations, and collaborate on design-for-manufacturing improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• 3+ years of cost estimation/manufacturing cost engineering experience in sheet metal.

Responsibilities

• Interpret 2D drawings and 3D CAD models to evaluate manufacturing feasibility and process steps.
• Develop bottom-up should-cost calculations for sheet metal parts and assemblies.
• Provide target cost analyses to compare against vendor quotes for procurement and negotiations.
• Collaborate with design/engineering teams to propose design modifications to reduce costs and waste.
• Maintain and update cost databases, machine rate cards, and estimation templates.

Skills

GD&T

3D CAD

Sheet metal manufacturing

Cost engineering

Excel models

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Creo

CATIA

aPriori

Siemens PCM

Costimator

Excel (advanced)

Job description

Mollet del Valles (Barcelona), Spain

Hybrid Working

Global tech company founded in 2011

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.

• 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.

We are engineering the future