Print Estimator: Litho & Large Format

Lithographix, Inc.; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lithographix, Inc. is seeking an experienced Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for commercial printing projects.

You will analyze customer specs, determine materials and production needs, and provide pricing that supports profitability and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, and Production to ensure estimates are production‑ready and aligned with capabilities.

Qualifications

• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to interpret printing specifications, production requirements, and customer requests.
• Experience using print estimating software and manufacturing information systems.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs and project details to determine estimating requirements.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for offset and digital printing projects.
• Calculate material, setup, labor, and production costs, including finishing and outsourcing.

Skills

Mathematical skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Printing technology education preferred

Business education preferred

Tools

Excel

MIS/ERP systems

Print estimating software

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Lithographix is an employee‑owned printing company that combines collaboration and innovation to deliver high‑quality litho and large format print solutions. The team focuses on empowering customers’ creativity and communication through exceptional, results‑driven, and sustainable printing services. Employee ownership aligns the company’s success with customer outcomes and supports a culture that invests in professional development and well‑being. Lithographix is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, striving to make a positive impact on the community and the environment.

Job Summary

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates for commercial printing projects. This position analyzes customer specifications, determines material and production requirements, calculates manufacturing costs, and develops pricing recommendations that support company profitability and customer satisfaction. The Estimator works closely with Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, Prepress, Production, and Scheduling to ensure estimates are accurate, production‑ready, and aligned with the company’s operational capabilities and financial objectives.

Please note: We are not accepting inquiries from staffing agencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Cost Estimating and Pricing

• Review customer specifications, requests for quotations (RFQs), artwork requirements, and project details to determine estimating requirements.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial printing projects, including offset and digital printing, as applicable.
• Calculate paper and other substrate requirements, including sheet sizes, press layouts, imposition, press sheets, spoilage, and waste allowances.
• Estimate costs associated with prepress, platemaking, press setup, makeready, press running time, labor, ink, coatings, and other production materials.
• Calculate finishing and bindery costs, including cutting, folding, stitching, binding, laminating, die‑cutting, gluing, packaging, and fulfillment, as applicable.
• Account for outsourcing, freight, delivery, special handling, and other job‑specific expenses.
• Develop pricing recommendations that reflect production costs, required margins, competitive market conditions, and company pricing guidelines.
• Prepare estimates for various quantities and provide alternative production methods when appropriate.
• Identify potential cost savings and recommend the most efficient production approach.

2. Job Specifications and Production Planning

• Review job specifications for completeness, accuracy, and feasibility.
• Identify unusual production requirements, potential manufacturing challenges, and risks that may affect cost, schedule, or quality.
• Consult with production departments to verify machine capabilities, production speeds, setup requirements, and finishing limitations.
• Ensure estimates reflect realistic production assumptions and available manufacturing resources.
• Clarify incomplete or conflicting specifications with Sales, Customer Service, or the customer, as appropriate.

3. Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with Sales and Customer Service to provide timely estimates and respond to customer pricing inquiries.
• Communicate estimating assumptions, exclusions, production requirements, and potential cost variations.
• Coordinate with Purchasing to verify current paper, substrate, and outsourced service costs.
• Collaborate with Production and Scheduling to validate labor, machine time, and manufacturing assumptions.
• Support Sales in evaluating alternate specifications, quantities, and production methods to meet customer budgets.

4. Estimate Accuracy and Profitability

• Review completed job costs against original estimates to identify significant variances.
• Analyze material usage, waste, labor, machine time, and outside service expenses to improve estimating accuracy.
• Maintain appropriate documentation of estimating assumptions, cost calculations, and pricing decisions.
• Identify recurring estimating discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
• Protect confidential customer pricing, supplier information, and company financial data.

5. Estimating Systems and Administrative Responsibilities

• Enter and maintain accurate estimates in the company’s estimating, management information system (MIS), or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
• Maintain current cost data, production rates, material specifications, and supplier pricing.
• Ensure estimates are completed within established turnaround times and follow company procedures.
• Assist with updating estimating standards, costing methods, and pricing guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications of Position:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in printing technology, manufacturing, business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3+ years of estimating experience in commercial printing or a closely related print manufacturing environment preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of commercial printing processes, materials, finishing operations, and manufacturing costs.
• Experience using print estimating software and manufacturing information systems preferred.

Knowledge And Skills

• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to interpret printing specifications, production requirements, and customer requests.
• Knowledge of paper grades, basis weights, sheet sizes, grain direction, imposition, press layouts, makeready, and waste factors.
• Understanding of prepress, pressroom, bindery, finishing, and outsourced production processes.
• Ability to evaluate production alternatives and identify cost efficiencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating or MIS/ERP systems.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Pay Rate

$60,000 - $90,000/yr

Pay Statement

The national pay range for this role is listed in the job posting. The pay range may be slightly lower or higher based on the geographic location. The actual pay offered may vary based upon, but not limited to: education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift and location.

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

The position is primarily office‑based within a commercial printing manufacturing facility. Occasional visits to the production floor may be necessary to review equipment capabilities, job requirements, and manufacturing processes. The employee must comply with applicable workplace safety requirements when entering production areas.

EEO Statement

Lithographix 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.