Production Estimator

ASI Signage Innovations; United States; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/remote flexibility

Competitive salary

Job summary

ASI Signage Innovations seeks a production-driven estimator who can translate architectural drawings, specifications, sign schedules, and design intent into accurate, competitive cost estimates. This role collaborates with sales, project management, purchasing, engineering, production, and installation teams to ensure estimates reflect full scope and a realistic production plan.

The position requires practical knowledge of materials, fabrication processes, labor, vendor pricing, and installation

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in estimating, cost analysis, custom manufacturing, construction, or a comparable field.
• Ability to interpret architectural drawings, specifications, details, and project requirements.
• Working knowledge of material takeoffs, labor calculations, vendor pricing, and production costing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including documenting assumptions, exclusions, and scope clarifications.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for interior and exterior architectural signage projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, sign schedules, bid documents, and client requirements to determine the full scope of work.
• Develop material takeoffs, fabrication labor estimates, equipment requirements, installation labor, freight, vendor pricing, and subcontractor costs.
• Evaluate designs for manufacturability, constructability, production capacity, installation requirements, and cost risks.
• Identify scope gaps, clarifications, exclusions, assumptions, and items needing quotes.
• Coordinate with sales, project management, purchasing, engineering, production, and installation teams to validate pricing and execution plans.
• Solicit, compare, and document vendor and subcontractor quotations.
• Recommend value-engineering changes to improve competitiveness without compromising design.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Time management

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

CRM systems

Job description

ASI is a leading national provider of architectural signage solutions with a 60+ year history of innovation and client service. With multiple corporate offices and manufacturing locations, we deliver turnkey design, fabrication, and installation of signage for diverse markets including healthcare, education, corporate, and multifamily. Our work spans both interior and exterior signage, providing complete solutions to our clients nationwide.

Position Overview:

ASI is seeking a production-driven estimator who can translate architectural drawings, specifications, sign schedules, and design intent into accurate, competitive, and buildable cost estimates. This role requires a practical understanding of materials, fabrication processes, labor requirements, vendor pricing, and installation considerations. The successful candidate will work closely with sales, project management, purchasing, engineering, production, and installation teams to ensure each estimate reflects the complete project scope and a realistic production plan.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for interior and exterior architectural signage projects.
• Review architectural drawings, specifications, sign schedules, bid documents, and client requirements to determine the complete scope of work.
• Develop material takeoffs, fabrication labor estimates, equipment requirements, installation labor, freight, vendor pricing, and subcontractor costs.
• Evaluate proposed designs for manufacturability, constructability, production capacity, installation requirements, and potential cost risks.
• Identify scope gaps, unclear requirements, exclusions, assumptions, and items requiring clarification before a quote is finalized.
• Coordinate with sales consultants, project managers, purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and installation teams to validate pricing and execution plans.
• Solicit, compare, and document vendor and subcontractor quotations.
• Recommend practical value-engineering alternatives that improve competitiveness without compromising design intent, quality, or client requirements.
• Maintain clear estimating records, pricing assumptions, vendor information, and historical cost data.
• Use ERP/CRM systems, estimating databases, spreadsheets, and approved AI-assisted tools to improve consistency, speed, and accuracy.
• Support corporate initiatives to strengthen and standardize estimating practices across ASI offices.
• Manage multiple estimates and deadlines while maintaining quality, responsiveness, and attention to detail.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in estimating, cost analysis, custom manufacturing, construction, or a comparable field.
• Ability to interpret architectural drawings, specifications, details, and project requirements.
• Working knowledge of material takeoffs, labor calculations, vendor pricing, and production costing.
• Strong analytical skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to organize priorities and manage multiple bids with competing deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document assumptions, exclusions, and scope clarifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and comfort working in ERP, CRM, or estimating systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with sales, project management, purchasing, production, and installation teams.

Preferred Experience:

• Architectural signage, custom fabrication, metal fabrication, millwork, graphics, cabinetry, exhibits, or another made-to-order manufacturing environment.
• Experience estimating both interior and exterior signage packages.
• Knowledge of common signage materials, fabrication methods, finishes, illumination, graphics, hardware, packaging, freight, and installation considerations.
• Experience with ERP/CRM platforms.
• Experience using historical job-cost data, estimating databases, or AI-assisted tools to improve estimating outcomes.

Core Competencies:

• Production mindset with an understanding of how estimating decisions affect fabrication and execution.
• Accuracy and ownership in producing thorough, supportable estimates.
• Commercial judgment that balances completeness, competitiveness, risk, and practical alternatives.
• Cross-functional teamwork with sales, operations, purchasing, production, and installation.
• Strong organization, documentation, and time-management skills.
• A continuous-improvement mindset supported by data, feedback, and technology.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid/remote flexibility with the ability to support multiple regional offices and manufacturing teams.
• Opportunity to grow within a nationwide leader in architectural signage.
• Collaborative corporate culture focused on quality, accountability, innovation, and process improvement.
• The opportunity to help strengthen estimating practices across the organization.