Estimator III

Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 88,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) with match

Education support

Paid time off

Remote work stipend

Dental/vision coverage

Bonus plan

Job summary

Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions is seeking an Estimator II to evaluate quote requests and produce timely, accurate cost estimates for parts and assemblies. This full-time onsite role supports Sales, Customer Service, and the Estimating team in Chicago, guiding Level I estimators and driving pricing strategy.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in metal fabrication, strong math and analytical skills, and proficiency with blueprints and estimating software.

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ related experience and/or training in metal fabrication
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures
• High level math and financial acumen with analytical mindset
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage
• Experience with conceptual and detailed measurement/pricing
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Self-motivated with ability to work with minimal supervision and manage multiple projects
• PC knowledge with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and estimating software

Responsibilities

• Manage large quote packages and necessary resources
• Provide oversight and guidance to Level I Estimators
• Lead and develop continuous improvement projects or ideas
• Manage open RFQs and distribution of quoting activities for the Estimating team
• Perform cost analysis and account profitability reviews; provide feedback to management
• Oversee departmental metric tracking and reactionary efforts related to metric status
• Assist Sales and Customer Service in managing key accounts
• Train Estimating Department employees as directed by the Engineering Manager
• Mentor Level I & II Estimators
• Review and evaluate RFQ requests and prepare work to be estimated
• Work with sales team and customers to understand requirements
• Identify labor, material, finish and time requirements
• Compute costs by analyzing requirements
• Resolve discrepancies by data analysis
• Present prepared quotes with pricing and descriptions
• Ensure quality info is shared with departments
• Assist procurement in obtaining pricing
• Maintain cost database
• Review and understand job costing; suggest changes
• Increase sales by offering additional services

Skills

Math/Financial acumen

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Self-motivated

Blueprint reading

Communication

Analytical mindset

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

Job description

Overview

Cadrex is searching for an Estimator II who will be responsible for evaluating quote requests and creating timely and accurate cost estimates for parts and assemblies.

Job Type: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• Manage large quote packages and necessary resources
• Provide oversight and guidance to Level I Estimators
• Lead and develop continuous improvement projects or ideas
• Manage open RFQs and distribution of quoting activities for the Estimating team
• Perform cost analysis and account profitability reviews and provide feedback to management related to suggested actions
• Oversee departmental metric tracking and reactionary efforts related to metric status
• Assist Sales and Customer Service in the management of key accounts
• Assist in the daily management, development of and training the Estimating Department employees as directed by the Engineering Manager
• Provide mentoring, oversight, and guidance to Level I & II Estimators
• Review and evaluate requests for quotes; prepare work to be estimated by gathering proposals, prints, part models, specifications, and related documents
• Work with the sales team and customers to thoroughly understand customer requirements
• Identify labor, material, finish, and time requirements by studying proposals, prints, specifications, and related documents
• Compute costs by analyzing labor, material, finish, and time requirements
• Resolve discrepancies by collecting and analyzing relevant data
• Present prepared quotes by assembling and displaying numerical pricing and descriptive information
• Ensure that quality requirements, part prints, part models, specifications and other pertinent information is available and shared with necessary departments
• Assist procurement in obtaining pricing for materials, components, and subcontracted processes
• Maintain cost database by entering data
• Review and understand job costing; suggest changes
• Actively seek opportunities to increase sales by offering additional services to customers

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years’ related experience and/or training in metal fabrication; may use equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as blueprints, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• High level math and financial acumen with analytical mindset
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage
• Experience with conceptual and detailed measurement/pricing
• Possess well-developed and demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision, while managing multiple projects
• PC knowledge/computer literate; including the ability to work with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.), e‑mail, estimating software and use the Internet

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Location

Onsite

Schedule

M-F

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally loud.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Core Values

Safety first, rising to the challenge, collaboration, accountability, and doing the right thing

Total Compensation

• Health/dental/vision coverage
• Employer‑paid and supplemental life insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• Monthly remote work stipend (for remote employees who qualify)
• 401(k) investment plan, with an employer match of up to 4%
• Education support program
• Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Bonus plan for all full‑time employees

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cadrex provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary

$88,000 - $115,000