Project Estimator

Swanton Weld; Swanton (VT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Swanton Welding & Machining Co. in Swanton, OH, is seeking a Project Estimator to translate customer drawings and RFQs into accurate, competitive estimates for custom steel fabrication.

You will develop material, labor, equipment estimates; work with Sales, Engineering, Project Management and Operations to ensure aligned project needs and clear handoffs for awarded work; maintain estimating records and improve accuracy.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings and specs.
• Experience estimating materials, labor, and outside services.
• Strong mathematical, analytical and organizational skills.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and costs.
• Ability to manage multiple quotes and adjust priorities.

Responsibilities

• Review customer drawings, specifications, and RFQs to understand project requirements.
• Develop detailed estimates for materials, labor, equipment, and outside services.
• Prepare accurate and competitive project quotations for custom fabricated steel projects.
• Identify scope gaps, risks, and areas needing clarification prior to quoting.
• Collaborate with vendors and Purchasing to obtain material and outside-process pricing.
• Work closely with Sales, Engineering, Project Management, and Operations to ensure alignment on project needs.
• Maintain thorough estimating documentation and historical cost data.
• Support the handoff process for awarded projects and contribute to ongoing improvement of estimating accuracy.
• Analyze estimated versus actual project performance to refine future estimates.

Skills

Reading fabrication drawings

Estimating & cost analysis

Mathematical/analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Job description

Swanton Welding & Machining Co., located in Swanton, Ohio, is a leader in custom steel fabrication, serving a diverse range of industries with high-quality, precision-built products. As a Project Estimator, you will play a key role in shaping the company's success by transforming customer drawings and RFQs into accurate, competitive estimates. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with multiple departments and directly influence which projects the company pursues and how they are executed. Join a team that values expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Review customer drawings, specifications, and RFQs to understand project requirements
• Develop detailed estimates for materials, labor, equipment, and outside services
• Prepare accurate and competitive project quotations for custom fabricated steel projects
• Identify scope gaps, risks, and areas needing clarification prior to quoting
• Collaborate with vendors and Purchasing to obtain material and outside-process pricing
• Work closely with Sales, Engineering, Project Management, and Operations to ensure alignment on project needs
• Maintain thorough estimating documentation and historical cost data
• Support the handoff process for awarded projects and contribute to ongoing improvement of estimating accuracy
• Analyze estimated versus actual project performance to refine future estimates

Qualifications

• Experience in estimating, fabrication, manufacturing, engineering, or a related technical field
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings and specifications
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, labor requirements, and material usage
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to manage multiple quotes and adapt to changing priorities
• Experience in custom metal fabrication is strongly preferred