Estimator

Acara Solutions, Inc.; Meadville (Crawford County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions is seeking an Estimator to support new business by collecting and analyzing costs for equipment. You’ll collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Operations, and Purchasing to create forward-looking cost estimates that are both challenging and achievable.

The role offers opportunities to grow within a global workforce solutions leader and a culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability, with a focus on delivering results for clients and candidates.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating experience.
• 3+ years reading blueprints.
• 3+ years machining and fabrication.
• 5+ years Microsoft Office and Excel experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain database of current and accurate cost estimates for the key system components of all product lines.
• Develop and maintain standard costing templates that will facilitate accurate cost estimating.
• Based on budget assumptions generated by sales, product line directors, engineering, project management, and operations, develop cost estimates to support sales quote process.
• Coordinate the review of cost estimates with management prior to submitting sales for pricing decision.
• Analyze completed projects to compare estimated costs to actual costs and determine the reason for any discrepancies.
• Identify cost trends to assist management in cost reduction and process improvement efforts.
• Perform various financial analysis activities as required by the Program Management Department.
• Other tasks as assigned by Lead Estimator or Managing Director.

Skills

Estimating experience

Reading blueprints

Machining & fabrication

MS Office & Excel

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

The Estimator supports new business efforts by collecting and analyzing costs for equipment. They work closely with Sales, Engineering, Operations, and Purchasing Departments to generate challenging but achievable forward-going cost estimates.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability
• Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries
• People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work
• Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:

This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Sound like a good fit?

What You'll Do:

• Develop and maintain database of current and accurate cost estimates for the key system components of all product lines.
• Develop and maintain standard costing templates that will facilitate accurate cost estimating.
• Based on budget assumptions generated by sales, product line directors, engineering, project management, and operations, develop cost estimates to support sales quote process.
• Coordinate the review of cost estimates with management prior to submitting sales for pricing decision.
• Analyze completed projects to compare estimated costs to actual costs and determine the reason for any discrepancies.
• Identify cost trends to assist management in cost reduction and process improvement efforts.
• Perform various financial analysis activities as required by the Program Management Department.
• Other tasks as assigned by Lead Estimator or Managing Director.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• High School Diploma
• 3+yrs of Estimating experience
• 3+yrs of experience with reading blueprints
• 3+yrs of experience in machining and fabrication
• 5+yrs of Microsoft Office and Excel experience

What Sets You Apart:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field a plus.
• Five years' experience in cost accounting, design engineering, or relevant manufacturing field.
• Steel fabrication and/or steel manufacturing experience. A former project manager and or link between customer and shop floor are very helpful.
• Drafting experience helps interpret drawings.
• Familiarity with pressure vessels, piping, and skid equipment.
• Bills of Materials creation or edits
• High voltage electrical and controls experience is helpful but not necessary.
• Experience interfacing with ERP systems.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.