Estimator

Gradel Professional Search; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Gradel Professional Search is seeking an Estimator to develop accurate, timely cost estimates for fabricated components and tooling. You will interpret blueprints and CAD models, determine manufacturing processes, and optimize cost, labor, and equipment utilization across engineering, purchasing, and operations.

You will work with CAD, nesting, ERP, and quoting software to calculate materials, run times, and sourcing requirements, while meeting aggressive RFQ deadlines and ensuring

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of production estimating, machine operation, or programming.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specs, and CAD models.
• Technical associate degree and tooling experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates for materials, labor, machine time, tooling, and burden.
• Interpret blueprints, specs, and CAD models to define processes.
• Use CAD and nesting software to calculate blanks, weights, utilization, scrap.
• Establish estimating milestones and meet RFQ turnaround times.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to study time and improve standards.
• Obtain supplier quotes for materials and outside processing.

Skills

Blueprint interpretation

Cost analysis

Manufacturing estimating

CAD software experience

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

Technical associate degree

Tooling or toolmaking experience preferred

Tools

CAD software

Nesting software

ERP systems

Quoting software

Job description

Our client is an established and growing metal stamping and fabrication manufacturer seeking an Estimator to develop accurate, timely cost estimates for fabricated components, assemblies, prototypes, and tooling. This role works closely with engineering, programming, purchasing, accounting, and operations to develop competitive pricing while confirming manufacturability, feasibility, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare material, labor, machine, tooling, and burden cost estimates for fabricated parts and assemblies.
• Interpret customer blueprints, specifications, and CAD models to determine manufacturing processes and work centers.
• Use CAD, estimating, and nesting software to calculate blank sizes, weights, material utilization, scrap, cut times, and yields.
• Determine material and coil requirements based on part geometry, production volumes, and lot sizes.
• Estimate setup times, run times, secondary operations, outsourced processes, and transactional costs.
• Select manufacturing methods that meet customer requirements while optimizing cost, labor, and equipment utilization.
• Estimate progressive and form dies, weld fixtures, inspection devices, prototypes, and related tooling.
• Obtain supplier quotations for specialty materials and outside processing.
• Establish estimating milestones and meet required RFQ turnaround times, including 24-hour component estimates.
• Work with manufacturing engineering to conduct time studies and improve estimating standards.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of production estimating, machine operation, or programming experience.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and CAD models.
• Knowledge of metal fabrication, stamping, tooling, and secondary manufacturing processes.
• Experience with CAD, nesting, ERP, or quoting software.
• Strong cost analysis, feasibility assessment, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Technical associate degree and tooling or toolmaking experience preferred.