Estimating Engineer — Custom Machinery & Automation

Connect-Force; Wixom (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect-Force in Southeast Michigan is seeking an Estimating Engineer to join its growing team. This role focuses on evaluating customer requirements, developing accurate cost estimates, and preparing technical proposals for custom machinery and automation projects.

You will collaborate with mechanical engineering, purchasing, and production to translate drawings into feasible, cost-optimized solutions. Ideal candidates have hands-on experience in machine building or manufacturing estimating and

Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, estimating, technical proposals, or related industrial equipment roles.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of how industrial machinery is designed, manufactured, and assembled.
• Ability to interpret mechanical blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with machining, fabrication, mechanical components, assembly processes, and manufacturing costs.
• Experience preparing estimates, quotations, bills of materials, or technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with multiple engineering and manufacturing departments.

Responsibilities

• Review customer specifications, technical drawings, and project requirements to determine equipment scope and feasibility.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for custom machinery, mechanical assemblies, manufacturing equipment, and automation projects.
• Prepare technical quotations, proposals, and supporting documentation for new equipment opportunities.
• Estimate material, component, fabrication, machining, assembly, engineering, and labor costs.
• Evaluate project requirements to identify potential engineering challenges, cost considerations, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with suppliers and purchasing personnel to obtain accurate pricing and lead times.
• Work closely with mechanical engineering, electrical controls, purchasing, production, and project management teams.
• Interpret mechanical drawings, assembly layouts, bills of materials, and technical specifications.
• Apply knowledge of machine building, machining, fabrication, and mechanical assembly to develop realistic project estimates.
• Participate in technical discussions to determine appropriate equipment configurations and manufacturing approaches.
• Assist in evaluating alternative components, materials, and design approaches to improve cost efficiency.
• Support project handoffs from estimating and proposal development into engineering and manufacturing.
• Maintain accurate estimating documentation, cost breakdowns, and proposal records.
• Help improve estimating methods, templates, and processes as the company continues to expand.
• Communicate with internal teams to ensure project assumptions, technical requirements, and estimated costs are clearly understood.
• Support ongoing improvements in proposal accuracy, turnaround time, and overall customer satisfaction.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Manufacturing engineering

Estimating

Technical proposals

BOM preparation

Problem solving

Cross-functional coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Connect-Force in Southeast Michigan is seeking an Estimating Engineer to join its growing team. This role focuses on evaluating customer requirements, developing accurate cost estimates, and preparing technical proposals for custom machinery and automation projects.

You will collaborate with mechanical engineering, purchasing, and production to translate drawings into feasible, cost-optimized solutions. Ideal candidates have hands-on experience in machine building or manufacturing estimating and