Manufacturing Estimator – Custom Metal Fabrication

Wenthe-Davidson Manufacturing; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wenthe-Davidson Manufacturing in New Berlin, WI is seeking an estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for manufactured parts. You will review customer requirements, drawings, specifications, and production processes to determine material, labor, tooling, and overhead costs.

Collaborate with sales, engineering, purchasing, production, and quality to develop accurate costs that support profitability targets and operational capabilities.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in manufacturing estimating, cost analysis, process planning, production, machining, fabrication, or a related role.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, bills of material, and basic technical documentation.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard business software; ERP/MRP experience is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to accuracy and detail.

Responsibilities

• Review requests for quotation, engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and customer requirements for completeness and manufacturability.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for materials, labor, machine time, tooling, setup, outside processing, packaging, freight, overhead, and other project requirements.
• Determine appropriate manufacturing methods, production sequences, equipment, staffing assumptions, cycle times, and lot-size considerations.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations for raw materials, components, tooling, and subcontracted services.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and timely assumptions, exceptions, exclusions, and lead times.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, quality, purchasing, and sales to resolve technical questions and assess project risks.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering, process improvement, cost reduction, and improved manufacturability.
• Maintain estimating records, cost models, labor and machine rates, supplier pricing, and quotation history.
• Compare estimated costs with actual production results and update estimating standards based on lessons learned.
• Support customer discussions, bid reviews, change orders, and pricing revisions as needed.
• Manage multiple estimates and priorities while meeting customer and internal deadlines.
• Follow company safety, quality, confidentiality, and documentation requirements.

Skills

Cost estimation

Cost analysis

Process planning

Reading drawings

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Excel

ERP/MRP software

Job description

Wenthe-Davidson Manufacturing in New Berlin, WI is seeking an estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for manufactured parts. You will review customer requirements, drawings, specifications, and production processes to determine material, labor, tooling, and overhead costs.

Collaborate with sales, engineering, purchasing, production, and quality to develop accurate costs that support profitability targets and operational capabilities.