Graduate Mechanical Engineer – Estimating

Theo James Recruitment Ltd; Washington; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Full training & development

Genuine career progression

Technical and commercial development

Stable, growing engineering business

Job summary

The Company, Washington, is seeking a Graduate/Junior Estimator to train in reviewing drawings and customer requirements and to prepare quotations for manufactured components, including laser cut and folded parts.

Full training will be provided as you develop a mix of technical and commercial skills, with opportunities for long-term career progression within a growing engineering business.

Qualifications

• Degree, HNC/HND or similar qualification in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
• Genuine interest in mechanical engineering and manufacturing.
• Some hands-on engineering exposure through projects or hobbies.
• Good communication and IT skills; detail-oriented and organised.
• CAD experience would be beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Review engineering drawings and customer requirements to prepare quotations.
• Work with production to understand manufacturing methods and costs.
• Communicate with customers throughout enquiry and quotation process.
• Learn to use the company's MRP system with training provided.
• Develop understanding of laser cutting, fabrication and sheet metal manufacturing.

Skills

Engineering degree

Read engineering drawings

Mechanical mindset

Manufacturing exposure

CAD experience

Customer communication

Attention to detail

IT skills

Fabrication exposure

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Job Title: Graduate / Junior Estimator

Location: Washington

Salary: £28,000 - £35,000 depending on experience

Benefits

• Company pension
• Full training & development
• Genuine career progression
• Technical and commercial development
• Stable, growing engineering business

The Company

An established and growing engineering manufacturer is looking to recruit a Graduate / Junior Estimator to join their engineering team.

This is a great opportunity for a Mechanical Engineering graduate, junior engineer or someone early in their engineering career who wants to develop a mix of technical and commercial experience.

The company is investing in new systems and future growth, with a strong track record of developing people internally. You don't need previous estimating experience as full training will be provided.

Job Description

As a Graduate / Junior Estimator, you'll be trained to review engineering drawings and customer requirements before preparing quotations for manufactured components, including laser cut and folded parts.

You'll work closely with experienced colleagues, customers and the production team, gradually developing your understanding of manufacturing processes, costing and estimating.

Day to day, the Graduate / Junior Estimator will learn how to:

• Read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Understand customer enquiries and technical requirements.
• Prepare accurate quotations for manufactured components.
• Work with production to understand manufacturing methods and costs.
• Communicate with customers throughout the enquiry and quotation process.
• Use the company's MRP system, with full training provided.
• Develop an understanding of laser cutting, fabrication and sheet metal manufacturing.

This could suit someone who has recently completed a Mechanical Engineering or similar engineering qualification and is looking for their first or second role within industry.

We're particularly interested in people who have a genuine hands‑on interest in engineering. That could come from previous work experience, placements, apprenticeships, university projects or simply working on cars, motorbikes, machinery or engineering projects as a hobby.

You don't need to be an experienced estimator. What's more important is that you can understand engineering drawings, have a good mechanical mindset and are keen to learn.

Skills & Experience

• Degree, HNC/HND or similar qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
• Genuine interest in mechanical engineering and manufacturing.
• Some practical/hands‑on engineering exposure, either professionally or through personal projects/hobbies.
• Good communication and IT skills.
• Organised with good attention to detail.
• Comfortable speaking with customers and colleagues.
• CAD experience would be beneficial but isn't essential.
• Any exposure to fabrication, sheet metal, machining or laser cutting would be advantageous but isn't required.

Why Should You Apply?

This Graduate / Junior Estimator role offers an excellent route into engineering for someone who wants to build a long-term career without being limited to a purely design or production-based position.

You'll receive full training while gaining exposure to engineering drawings, manufacturing, costing, customers and commercial decision-making, giving you a strong platform to progress as the business continues to grow