Estimator

AMPP International; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Marathon Industrial Finishing (MIF) seeks an experienced Industrial Coatings Estimator to develop accurate estimates for abrasive blasting, surface prep, and protective coatings.

You will analyze customer specs, labor requirements, materials, and production capabilities to create comprehensive quotations and ensure profitability. This on-site role requires relocation flexibility within the Midwest as needed.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specs, and drawings.
• Strong mathematical and analytical abilities for cost calculations.
• Proficiency in Excel for detailed cost analyses.
• Experience with industrial coatings, blasting, and paint processes.
• Experience estimating projects with ERP systems or estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs, blueprints, and coating specs to prepare estimates.
• Calculate labor, materials, and equipment needs for coatings projects.
• Develop competitive pricing aligned with profitability.
• Document scope, assumptions, and exclusions clearly.
• Maintain estimating records and project documentation.

Skills

Blueprint interpretation

Microsoft Excel

Analytical skills

Cost calculations

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in manufacturing/engineering tech

Tools

ERP systems

Estimating software

Job description

Job purpose:

Marathon Industrial Finishing (MIF) is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Industrial Coatings Estimator to support our growing family-owned industrial blasting and painting operation.

This position is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for abrasive blasting, surface preparation, and protective coating projects. The Estimator evaluates customer specifications, labor requirements, material costs, production capabilities, and project complexity to develop comprehensive quotations.

We are looking for someone who understands manufacturing operations, takes ownership of their work, and recognizes that accurate estimating is essential to customer satisfaction and business profitability.

Location: Marathon City, Wisconsin (Central Wisconsin)

A qualified candidates will have the ability to relocate outside of the Wisconsin area to include Minnesota and Illinois.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

Estimating & Cost Development

• Review customer RFQs, blueprints, drawings, coating specifications, and technical requirements.
• Prepare detailed estimates for abrasive blasting, industrial painting, surface preparation, and specialty coating applications.
• Calculate labor hours, surface areas, coating consumption, material costs, equipment usage, and production requirements.
• Evaluate project complexity, including component size, masking, rigging, staging, handling, and specialized coating requirements
• Develop competitive pricing recommendations aligned with company profitability objectives
• Identify estimating risks, assumptions, exclusions, and potential cost overruns.

Technical Review & Production Coordination

• Interpret manufacturing drawings, coating technical data sheets, and customer specifications.
• Understand industrial coating systems, surface preparation standards, and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with Production Management to validate labor estimates, production methods, equipment availability, and project timelines.
• Coordinate with Quality Control to evaluate inspection, coating thickness, and documentation requirements.
• Ensure estimates accurately reflect operational capabilities and customer expectations.

Customer Quotations & Project Support

• Prepare accurate, professional, and timely customer quotations.
• Clearly document project scope, pricing lead times, assumptions, and exclusions.
• Coordinate with Project Management on customer inquiries, scope clarifications, and quotation revisions.
• Support pricing adjustments for project changes and additional work.
• Maintain complete and organized estimating records and project documentation.

Cost Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Compare estimated costs against actual labor, materials, and project performance.
• Maintain and improve estimating templates, labor standards, material pricing, and cost databases.
• Monitor quotation turnaround, estimating accuracy, and project profitability.
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating processes, production efficiency, and cost competitiveness.
• Provide management with estimating performance information and recommendations.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in industrial estimating, manufacturing, fabrication, industrial coatings, or a related field.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical specifications, and manufacturing drawings.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and detailed cost calculations.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, labor requirements, material costs, and production workflows.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, competing priorities, and customer deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with customers, production personnel, and management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience estimating industrial painting, abrasive blasting, or protective coating projects.
• Knowledge of epoxy, urethane, and specialty coating systems.
• Familiarity with AMPP/SSPC surface preparation and coating standards.
• Experience with fabricated steel, heavy equipment, or industrial manufacturing.
• Experience with ERP systems, estimating software, and manufacturing job costing.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering technology, business, or a related discipline.

Who Thrives Here

We value individuals who take ownership, demonstrate strong attention to detail, understand the connection between estimating and shop-floor execution, and balance competitive pricing with profitability. Successful candidates are collaborative, accountable, technically curious, and committed to continuous improvement.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary of $70,000–$85,000, based on experience.
• Performance-based incentive opportunities.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Stable and growing industrial customer base.
• Direct collaboration with company ownership and leadership.
• Opportunity to influence estimating practices, pricing strategies, and business profitability.
• Long-term growth opportunities in a specialized industrial manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position combining office-based estimating with regular interaction with manufacturing operations. Occasional shop-floor visits are required to evaluate project requirements and validate estimating assumptions. Applicable safety and PPE requirements must be followed.

Join Our Team

If you bring strong technical knowledge, analytical skills, and a practical understanding of manufacturing operations, we encourage you to apply.