Fabrication Estimator

Red Chilli Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A mechanical engineering firm in Southampton is seeking a Lead Fabrication Estimator to oversee the estimating process for complex fabrication projects. This role involves reviewing technical drawings, producing estimates, and working with suppliers. The successful candidate will have a strong mechanical engineering background and excellent estimating skills. The firm offers a competitive salary of £40,000-£50,000, benefits, and a supportive work environment where your contributions matter.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Company pension & sick pay scheme

Long-term career progression

Valued workplace culture

Qualifications

• Ideal for someone with mechanical engineering or fabrication background.
• Experience in petrochemical/oil & gas sectors is a plus.
• Comfortable working in a busy SME environment.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of multidiscipline fabrication estimates.
• Review ITT/RFQ documentation and raise TQs.
• Interpret drawings/specs and produce accurate material take-offs.
• Work with suppliers/sub-contractors to obtain competitive quotations.

Skills

Estimating fabrication and pipework systems projects

Reading technical drawings and engineering specifications

Producing material take-offs and labour calculations

Strong communication skills

Numerically strong

Job description

Lead Fabrication Estimator - Mechanical Engineering & Fabrication

Southampton | £40,000-£50,000 + benefits

I'm recruiting for a long-established mechanical engineering business in Southampton that delivers complex fabrication projects across petrochemical, oil & gas, utility sectors. They're busy, growing, and need a Lead Fabrication Estimator who genuinely knows their way around drawings, RFQs, structural steelwork and fabricated assemblies.

If you enjoy the technical challenge of estimating bespoke fabrication projects — and want to join a company where your work directly influences bid success and project profitability — this is one to take seriously.

The Role as a Fabrication Estimator

You'll take ownership of multidiscipline fabrication estimates for a wide range of projects, including:

• Structural steelwork, walkways, ladders, access platforms
• Modular skid frames and fabricated assemblies
• Atmospheric tanks and bespoke welding/manufacturing work
• Supporting the tendering process from initial enquiry through to submission
• Reviewing ITT/RFQ documentation, raising TQs and clarifying missing information
• Interpreting drawings/specs and producing accurate material take-offs
• Working with suppliers/sub-contractors to obtain competitive, accurate quotations
• Completing all required labour and cost breakdowns to support the bid schedule

You'll work closely with the Sales & Estimating Manager and Operations Director, playing a key role in tender analysis, risk reviews and helping to secure profitable, deliverable work.

What You'll Need as a Fabrication Estimator

This role is ideal for someone from a mechanical engineering, fabrication, or petrochemical/oil & gas background with strong numerical and technical estimating skills.

Essential

• Experience estimating fabrication and pipework systems projects
• Ability to read technical drawings and engineering specifications
• Confident producing material take-offs and labour calculations
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage with clients, suppliers and internal teams
• Numerically strong, highly organised and detail-driven
• Comfortable working in a busy SME environment where you genuinely influence outcomes

  Desirable

  • Experience with BS EN 1090
  • Understanding of standard engineering practices
  • Background in structural, welded or modular fabrications

  What's On Offer to you as a Fabrication Estimator

  • Salary £40k-£45k depending on experience
  • 25 days holiday + bank holidays
  • Company pension & sick pay scheme
  • Long-term career progression — the company is growing and invests in their people
  • A role where you're genuinely valued and not just “another estimator in a big machine”

  Interested?

  If you'd like to discuss the role, the company culture, or whether your background fits — drop me a message and I'll talk you through it. No pressure, no hard sell, just a proper conversation about whether this could be a strong next step for you