Estimator

Automation Displays; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Automation Displays is seeking an Estimator in Wisconsin to develop accurate cost estimates and proposals for customer projects. The role links Sales, Engineering, and Operations to ensure technically sound, competitive quotes.

You will review drawings, determine scope, analyze RFQs, and prepare detailed labor, material, and overhead estimates while maintaining margin objectives. Proposals will require coordination with Engineering and Manufacturing to validate feasibility and production

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of estimating, manufacturing, project management, engineering, or related experience.
• Experience in industrial manufacturing, controls, automation, electrical systems, or engineered products strongly preferred.
• Experience reviewing technical drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, labor standards, and cost structures.
• Experience utilizing ERP systems, estimating software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working in a custom manufacturing or engineered-to-order environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review customer specifications, drawings, and project requirements to determine project scope.
• Analyze customer RFQs, bid documents, and technical requirements.
• Develop detailed cost estimates including material, labor, subcontractor, and overhead costs.
• Prepare accurate and timely customer quotations and proposals.
• Coordinate with Engineering to validate technical requirements, assumptions, and feasibility.
• Collaborate with Operations and Manufacturing to determine labor standards, production methods, and capacity considerations.
• Solicit and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Develop pricing recommendations consistent with company margin objectives.
• Maintain estimating databases, labor standards, pricing models, and cost information.
• Identify technical, commercial, and execution risks associated with proposals.
• Participate in scope review meetings and proposal strategy discussions.
• Ensure proposals are complete, accurate, and delivered within required timelines.
• Support customer clarification meetings and proposal reviews as needed.
• Track quote activity, win/loss trends, and estimating performance metrics.
• Assist with forecasting activities by maintaining accurate proposal status information.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to estimating processes and proposal development.
• Recommend process improvements to improve quote turnaround time, estimate accuracy, and profitability.
• Maintain documentation and records related to estimates, assumptions, and customer proposals.

Skills

Estimating

Cost analysis

Project coordination

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction Management/Business/Manufacturing

Tools

ERP systems

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates and proposals for customer projects. This position serves as a critical link between Sales, Engineering, Operations, and customers by ensuring all proposals are technically sound, commercially competitive, and aligned with company profitability objectives.

The Estimator evaluates customer specifications, drawings, and project requirements to prepare detailed quotations, labor estimates, material costs, and commercial proposals. This role supports revenue growth by delivering high-quality proposals while maintaining pricing discipline and margin expectations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review customer specifications, drawings, and project requirements to determine project scope.
• Analyze customer RFQs, bid documents, and technical requirements.
• Develop detailed cost estimates including material, labor, subcontractor, and overhead costs.
• Prepare accurate and timely customer quotations and proposals.
• Coordinate with Engineering to validate technical requirements, assumptions, and feasibility.
• Collaborate with Operations and Manufacturing to determine labor standards, production methods, and capacity considerations.
• Solicit and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Develop pricing recommendations consistent with company margin objectives.
• Maintain estimating databases, labor standards, pricing models, and cost information.
• Identify technical, commercial, and execution risks associated with proposals.
• Participate in scope review meetings and proposal strategy discussions.
• Ensure proposals are complete, accurate, and delivered within required timelines.
• Support customer clarification meetings and proposal reviews as needed.
• Track quote activity, win/loss trends, and estimating performance metrics.
• Assist with forecasting activities by maintaining accurate proposal status information.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to estimating processes and proposal development.
• Recommend process improvements to improve quote turnaround time, estimate accuracy, and profitability.
• Maintain documentation and records related to estimates, assumptions, and customer proposals.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of estimating, manufacturing, project management, engineering, or related experience.
• Experience in industrial manufacturing, controls, automation, electrical systems, or engineered products strongly preferred.
• Experience reviewing technical drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, labor standards, and cost structures.
• Experience utilizing ERP systems, estimating software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working in a custom manufacturing or engineered-to-order environment preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based role.
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Occasional travel to customer sites, supplier locations, or manufacturing facilities as business needs require.
• Occasional lifting of files, drawings, or office materials up to 15 pounds.