Industrial Estimator

ICS, Inc; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A mid-sized industrial firm located in Grand Forks, ND is seeking an Industrial Estimator. This pivotal role involves transforming drawings and concepts into accurate cost models, directly influencing project selection and success. The ideal candidate will possess experience in industrial estimation, strong analytical skills, and a collaborative mindset, working closely with various departments to ensure comprehensive project estimates. This position offers a significant opportunity for professional growth within food processing and industrial projects.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Industrial Estimator or in a related role.
• Strong ability to interpret mechanical and process drawings.
• Familiarity with food processing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Review engineering drawings to understand project constraints.
• Quantify equipment and materials required for projects.
• Develop complete estimates including labor and equipment costs.

Skills

Reading mechanical, structural, and process drawings

Quantifying equipment takeoffs

Calculating labor for installation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Experience in Industrial Estimation or related field

Tools

Estimating software

Excel

Job description

Industrial Estimator Location: Grand Forks, ND. Department: Estimating / Project Management Reports To: Estimating Manager or Director of Operations

Summary

This is a high‑impact role at the front end of every major decision we make. As an Industrial Estimator focused on food processing/manufacturing/industrial projects, you don’t just “run numbers” – you shape which projects we pursue, how we price them, and how we build them. Your work helps bring new production lines, safer plants, and innovative food and manufacturing products to life.

If you enjoy solving complex problems, understanding how things are built, and having your work directly influence real‑world projects, this is a powerful seat to be in.

Why This Role Is a Great Opportunity

• You sit at the center of strategy: Your estimates directly influence which projects we chase and how we win them.
• You see the full picture: You work with engineering, project management, operations, vendors, and clients – not in a narrow silo.
• Your work becomes real: You’ll visit facilities, see your projects in the field, and watch your estimates turn into steel, pipe, and equipment.
• You’re in a growth lane: This role is an ideal platform for future paths in senior estimating, project management, operations leadership, or business development.

Role Mission

Your mission is to turn drawings, ideas, and early conversations into clear, trusted cost models that give leadership the confidence to say “yes” to the right projects. You do this by deeply understanding scopes, carefully quantifying equipment and materials, and realistically forecasting the labor and logistics needed to install complex systems in a variety of demanding environments.

How You Create Value

You look at a set of plans and immediately start visualizing the finished line or facility: where the conveyors run, how the tanks are supported, how the trades move through the space, and what it really takes to install everything safely in an operating plant. You convert that understanding into accurate, well‑structured estimates that:

• Help the company win profitable work
• Give project teams realistic budgets and targets
• Build trust with clients who depend on solid cost information
• Reduce surprises in the field by aligning expectations early

What You’ll Do

• Dive into projects early: Review engineering drawings, P&IDs, layouts, scopes, and RFQs to fully understand project intent and constraints.
• Turn plans into quantities: Quantify equipment and materials across mechanical, manufacturing process, and structural scopes – conveyors, tanks, mixers, pumps, platforms, utilities, piping, supports, and more.
• Forecast the labor to build it: Determine the hours and trades needed to install all equipment, considering sequencing, productivity, shutdown windows, access, and safety/food‑safety/MFG constraints.
• Collaborate across the business: Work closely with project managers, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors to clarify scope, confirm technical details, and develop competitive pricing.
• Build complete cost pictures: Develop full estimates that include materials, equipment, labor, subcontractors, indirect costs, and allowances where appropriate.
• Support early‑stage decisions: Prepare conceptual and budgetary estimates when information is limited, helping clients and internal teams understand options and tradeoffs.
• Add value, not just cost: Identify value‑engineering ideas – alternate equipment, smarter installation methods, or phasing approaches – that reduce cost or risk while maintaining performance and sanitary design.
• Strengthen our “cost intelligence”: Maintain and refine estimating databases, unit rates, and historical cost records so we get sharper on every project.
• Communicate clearly: Present your assumptions, risks, and recommendations in ways that non‑estimators can understand and act on.

Your Work in Context

You’ll be involved from the first “could we do this?” conversation through to the final proposal. You’ll help shape bid strategies, influence project planning, and support the handoff to project management once a job is awarded. When projects are in the field, your work will be the benchmark that teams use to measure performance and success.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Industrial Estimator, Mechanical Estimator, or in a closely related industrial/MFG or food‑processing role.
• Strong ability to read and interpret mechanical, structural, and process drawings (P&IDs, layouts, isometrics, etc.).
• Proven experience quantifying equipment takeoffs and realistically calculating labor for installation.
• Familiarity with food‑processing/MFG equipment and systems such as conveyors, tanks, mixers, pumps, packaging equipment, and process lines.
• Understanding of construction means and methods, jobsite logistics, and safety requirements in industrial facilities.
• Proficiency with estimating software and spreadsheets (Excel) and comfort working with digital plan review tools.
• Strong analytical, numerical, and communication skills; able to explain your logic and defend your numbers.

Preferred Background

• Experience in Manufacturing/ food processing, industrial construction, or process engineering.
• Knowledge of sanitary design and regulatory expectations (e.g., 3‑A, USDA, FDA).
• Experience preparing conceptual/budget estimates with incomplete design information.
• Exposure to field work (construction, maintenance, start‑up, or commissioning) that informs your understanding of real‑world installation.

Who Thrives in This Role

• You like building a story behind the numbers and understanding “how it really gets built.”
• You enjoy working with smart technical people and being the one who pulls the cost picture together.
• You’re detail‑oriented and careful, but also pragmatic and solution‑focused.
• You’re comfortable owning your work, meeting deadlines, and having your estimates reviewed and dissected by leadership.
• You get genuine satisfaction from walking a completed project and knowing, “I helped make this happen.”

Pay Range:

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.