Metal Fabrication Estimator

Schebler Company; Pleasant Valley Township (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Schebler Company is seeking a detail-oriented Metal Fabrication Estimator to convert complex drawings and specs into accurate, competitive manufacturing estimates for custom projects.

You will review customer drawings, determine materials, processes, labor, and tooling needs, obtain supplier pricing, and build complete cost estimates using Schebler's estimating software, partnering with project managers and production teams to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints or specifications.
• Experience in metal fabrication estimating, quoting, purchasing, or related fields preferred.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Review customer drawings, specifications, requests for quote, and fabrication documents to understand scope.
• Identify materials, labor, equipment, machine time, outside processing, and components required.
• Obtain pricing and lead-time information from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Prepare accurate estimates using Schebler's estimating software.
• Collaborate with project managers, production leaders, and purchasing to confirm requirements.
• Revise estimates as specifications or costs change.
• Document estimate details and maintain project records.
• Support continuous improvement by comparing estimates to completed projects.

Skills

Drawing interpretation

Estimating accuracy

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

METAL FABRICATION ESTIMATOR

Department: Specialty Fabrication

Reports to: Director, Specialty Fabrication

Turn technical requirements into accurate, competitive manufacturing estimates.

About The Opportunity

The Schebler Company is seeking a detail-oriented Metal Fabrication Estimator to prepare accurate and competitive estimates for custom metal fabrication projects. This role reviews customer drawings and specifications, identifies the materials and manufacturing processes required, obtains supplier and subcontractor pricing, and develops complete project cost estimates.

Candidates may bring direct fabrication estimating experience or transferable experience in manufacturing quoting, purchasing, project coordination, inside sales, production, or a related field.

What You’ll Do

• Review customer drawings, specifications, requests for quote, and other fabrication documents to understand the complete scope of work.
• Identify the materials, labor, equipment, machine time, outside processing, purchased components, and other resources required to manufacture each project.
• Obtain current pricing and lead-time information from material suppliers, subcontractors, and other vendors.
• Prepare accurate and timely estimates using Schebler's estimating software.
• Work with project managers, production leaders, purchasing, engineering, and other internal partners to confirm project requirements and estimating assumptions.
• Evaluate alternative materials or manufacturing approaches when appropriate.
• Document estimate details and maintain organized, accurate project records.
• Revise estimates when specifications, material costs, or project requirements change.
• Support continuous improvement by comparing estimated costs with completed-project results.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

• High school diploma or GED required. Additional education or training in manufacturing, engineering technology, business, or a related field is helpful but not required.
• Experience in metal fabrication, manufacturing estimating, quoting, purchasing, production, project coordination, inside sales, or a related environment preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, specifications, or other technical documents, or the demonstrated aptitude to learn.
• General knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and production workflows preferred.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments and with outside vendors.
• Comfort learning estimating software and proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Transferable Backgrounds We Welcome

Your experience may be a strong fit if you have worked in roles such as:

• Metal Fabrication Estimator
• Manufacturing Estimator
• Buyer/Estimator
• Manufacturing Buyer
• Manufacturing Quoting Specialist
• Fabrication Project Coordinator
• Manufacturing Inside Sales or Sales Support Specialist
• Fabrication or Production Lead with blueprint and costing knowledge

Physical Requirements And Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, climb stairs, stoop, kneel, talk, or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is occasionally exposed to a moderate noise level.

This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or requirements.