Engineering Specialist - Estimator

Wayne Wire Cloth Products, Inc.; Hillman (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne Wire Cloth Products, Inc. is seeking an Engineering Specialist - Estimator at our Hillman, MI plant. This role analyzes blueprints and specifications to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for products and processes.

The position involves RFQ review, cost database management, cross-functional collaboration, variance analysis, and APQP leadership. Travel to other sites is possible as part of the role.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent with 0–1 year experience or related training.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook.
• Experience with document management software and ERP software (Global Shop).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and communicate using sketches.
• Strong mathematical skills (probability, statistics, geometry, trig, ratios).
• Strong reasoning to solve practical problems with variable constraints.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work with customers and colleagues at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Quote management: review RFQs to determine material, labor, and process requirements.
• Maintain a centralized cost estimating database and formal processes.
• Collaborate with clients, vendors, and internal teams to formulate estimates and obtain specs.
• Perform variance analysis to compare estimated vs actual costs and suggest improvements.
• Identify cost trends to support cost reduction and process improvements.
• Obtain quotes for raw materials and outside services as needed.
• Lead APQP meetings and work with prototype engineering on customer samples.
• Provide quoting support to other business units and participate in special projects.

Skills

MS Office

Blueprint reading

Math skills

Reasoning ability

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Outlook

Global Shop ERP

Job description

About Us

Welcome to WWCPI! We are seeking a dedicated and analytical Engineering Specialist - Estimator to join our team at our Hillman, MI plant

Visit our website at waynewire.com/careers/

Position Summary

The Engineering Specialist - Estimator analyzes blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare accurate time, cost, and labor estimates for our products and processes

Key Responsibilities

• Quote Management: Receive and review Requests for Quotes (RFQs) from customers via phone, mail, email, or fax to determine material, labor, and process requirements
• Cost Estimating & Database: Organize and manage a centralized cost estimating database and formal processes, ensuring historical data is utilized effectively
• Collaboration & Communication: Consult with clients, vendors, and internal teams to formulate estimates, provide lead times, obtain specifications, and resolve issues
• Variance Analysis: Gather data to verify cost information accuracy, compare estimated costs to actual project costs, and provide improvement recommendations to reduce future discrepancies
• Process Improvement: Identify cost trends to assist management in cost reduction and process improvement efforts
• Procurement Support: Obtain quotes on raw materials, fittings, and outside services as needed
• Project Leadership: Lead APQP meetings as needed and work alongside prototype engineering to develop customer samples
• Cross-Functional Support: Provide quoting assistance to other business units and participate in special projects as directed

Qualifications & Skills

• Education & Experience: Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year college/technical school; or 6 months to 1 year of related experience/training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook
  • Experience with document management software and ERP software (Global Shop)
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and effectively communicate using simple sketches
• Mathematical Skills: High skills including working with probability, statistical inference, plane/solid geometry, trigonometry, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions
• Reasoning Ability: High capability to solve practical problems, deal with concrete variables with limited standardization, and interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to work effectively with customers and employees at all levels of the organization

Additional Requirements

• Travel: Some travel to other sites is required
• Physical & Work Environment: Frequently required to sit, talk, or hear, with occasional standing, walking, and light lifting (up to 10 pounds)
• Work is performed in a moderate noise environment near moving mechanical parts

You Should Be Proficient In

• Measuring and Quoting
• ERP & MRP Systems
• Blueprint Reading