Cost Estimator – Plastics

Linked Professional Services; Fraser (MI); On-site; USD 94,558,000 - 123,213,000; Full time

Job summary

Linked, LLC in Michigan is seeking a quotes engineer to assess cost for injection-molded parts used in automotive interiors and exteriors, including A/B-pillars and wheel flares.

The role emphasizes building cycle times from scratch, calculating machine costs, and integrating secondary equipment into proposals, using Paperless Parts as a major tool.

Qualified candidates will have plastics cost estimating experience, knowledge of thermoplastics, and an understanding of assembly costs.

Qualifications

• Experience with plastics cost estimating or injection molding.
• Knowledge of TPO, PP, ABS, and other thermoplastics.
• Ability to calculate injection molding cycle times and machine costs.
• Understanding of secondary operations and assembly costs.
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Quote injection-molded parts for automotive interiors/exteriors.
• Integrate secondary equipment into cost proposals (robotic bonding, sonic welding).
• Consider fixtures and gauges quoted by another estimator.
• Think beyond software models to validate estimates.

Skills

Plastics cost estimating

Injection molding knowledge

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Automotive manufacturing experience

Paperless Parts experience

Tools

Paperless Parts

Job description

Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Pay: $33-$43/hour
Industry: Automotive / Plastics Manufacturing

Position Overview

The Role: Quotes injection-molded parts with assembly, primarily for automotive interiors and exteriors (A/B-pillars, seat shields, wheel flares, etc.).

Requirements:

Must be able to build cycle times entirely from scratch based on press tonnage, machine rate, wall stock, and resin types (TPO, PP, ABS).

Responsible for quoting and integrating secondary equipment, including robotic bonding cells, sonic welding, and manual labor, into cost proposals.

Tools: Uses Paperless Parts, which handles approximately 60% of the work, but the candidate must be able to think critically beyond the software model.

Notes: Check fixtures and gauges are quoted separately by a different estimator; this person just needs to be aware of them.

Qualifications

• Experience with plastics cost estimating or injection molding.
• Knowledge of TPO, PP, ABS, and other thermoplastic materials.
• Ability to calculate injection molding cycle times and machine costs.
• Understanding of secondary operations and assembly costs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Paperless Parts experience preferred.
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.

Linked, LLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate and embrace differences and are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Our goal is to ensure that every employee and applicant is treated with respect and fairness. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to making reasonable accommodations to support diverse needs throughout the hiring process. Linked, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to fostering a work environment where everyone can thrive.