Project Estimator

Sterling Engineering; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking a Project Estimator (Manufacturing) to oversee custom fabrication and tooling projects from inquiry through delivery. You will coordinate cross-functional teams and translate customer requirements into production plans.

The ideal candidate has manufacturing or engineering experience, strong blueprint reading skills, and proficiency with CAD tools. This role emphasizes accurate quoting, detailed project scopes, and continuous improvement throughout the lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, tooling, machining, or fabrication environment.
• Strong ability to interpret blueprints and create technical drawings/manufacturing documentation.
• Experience with CAD software such as Inventor, AutoCAD, or similar tools is a plus.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate across multiple departments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare quotes, estimates, and proposals for customer inquiries, including material and labor cost evaluations.
• Review customer requirements and develop detailed project scopes to ensure solutions align with manufacturing capabilities.
• Generate and coordinate tooling work orders and project documentation for internal manufacturing teams.
• Work closely with engineering, purchasing, production, and quality teams to ensure projects move efficiently through the manufacturing process.
• Manage project schedules and ensure jobs are completed on time and within scope.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between internal departments and customers to confirm requirements and provide project updates.
• Review completed projects and gather feedback to support continuous improvement and future quoting accuracy.
• Ensure all documentation, drawings, and specifications are maintained accurately throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Cross-functional coordination

Communication

Project coordination

Manufacturing terminology

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field

Tools

Inventor

AutoCAD

Job description

A growing manufacturing organization is seeking a Project Estimator (Manufacturing) to oversee custom fabrication and tooling projects from initial customer inquiry through manufacturing and delivery. This role will be responsible for managing project timelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring customer requirements are translated accurately into production.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in a manufacturing or engineering environment, and any experience with tooling, fabrication, or custom-built products would be helpful. This position requires strong technical understanding with the ability to read blueprints, organization, and the ability to communicate effectively across engineering, production, and customer-facing teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare quotes, estimates, and proposals for customer inquiries, including material and labor cost evaluations.
• Review customer requirements and develop detailed project scopes to ensure solutions align with manufacturing capabilities.
• Generate and coordinate tooling work orders and project documentation for internal manufacturing teams.
• Work closely with engineering, purchasing, production, and quality teams to ensure projects move efficiently through the manufacturing process.
• Manage project schedules and ensure jobs are completed on time and within scope.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between internal departments and customers to confirm requirements and provide project updates.
• Review completed projects and gather feedback to support continuous improvement and future quoting accuracy.
• Ensure all documentation, drawings, and specifications are maintained accurately throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field preferred.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, tooling, machining, or fabrication environment.
• Strong ability to interpret blueprints and create technical drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience working with CAD software such as Inventor, AutoCAD, or similar tools is a plus.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate across multiple departments.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.