Proposal & Bid Estimator — Engineered‑to‑Order Pipe Systems

Thompson Pipe Group; Grand Prairie (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson Pipe Group is seeking a Proposal & Bid Estimator in the United States to transform complex project specs into data-driven competitive offers. You will assemble end-to-end estimates for steel and concrete pressure pipes, fittings, and fabricated components, grounded in real design and fabrication methods.

You will collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing to calibrate costs, identify risks, and drive value engineering from concept drawings through final contracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering is required or 10+ years of relevant experience in pressure pipe industry.
• Demonstrated ability to build detailed project and product cost estimates with an understanding of manufacturing drivers.
• Strong cost modeling skills across materials, labor, equipment, and outside services.

Responsibilities

• Assembles end-to-end estimates for steel pipe, concrete pipe, fittings, and fabricated components.
• Analyzes drawings, specifications, bid documents, and contract requirements to capture complete scope.
• Quantifies materials, labor, equipment, and logistics; coordinates with operations and sales.

Skills

Reading drawings

Cost modeling

Risk identification

Constructability

Analytical math

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

10+ years of estimating or relevant technical experience

Job description

Proposal & Bid Estimator — Engineered‑to‑Order Pipe SystemsYour mission

A city plans a new transmission line. The specs arrive: steel and concrete pressure pipe, unique fittings, tight milestones, and demanding logistics. As Thompson Pipe Group’s Proposal & Bid Estimator, you transform this complexity into a clear, data‑driven, and competitive offer—one that reflects how we truly design and manufacture.

How you’ll deliver

• Assemble end‑to‑end estimates for steel pipe, concrete pressure pipe, fittings, fabricated components, and special products.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, bid documents, and contract requirements to capture complete scope.
• Quantify materials; manufacturing and fabrication labor; equipment and production needs; purchased components and outside services; freight and logistics; and special project requirements.
• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing to ground estimates in real design and fabrication methods—so costs reflect how work will be done.
• Uncover missing scope, spec conflicts, unusual requirements, and project risks ahead of bid time.
• Drive value‑engineering by evaluating alternate designs, methods, and materials.
• Maintain current cost information across materials, labor, suppliers, and manufacturing; calibrate estimates with historical cost and production data.
• Work with Sales to align pricing with market and project strategy.
• Coordinate with Operations and Project Management when capacity, scheduling, technical, or contractual factors influence approach and cost.
• Advance the craft: improve estimating procedures, tools, cost databases, and standards.
• Produce accurate estimates from conceptual drawings through final contract documents.

Qualifications

Meet One Of The Following

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering; or
• 10+ years of estimating, engineering, project management, manufacturing, or other relevant technical experience within the pressure pipe industry or a closely related engineered manufacturing/infrastructure industry.

Capabilities that set you apart

• Fluent in reading engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Deep understanding of manufacturing and fabrication cost drivers
• Experienced in building detailed project/product cost estimates
• Strong command of material, labor, production, and outside‑service cost modeling
• Keen risk identification and pricing judgment
• Ability to recognize constructability/manufacturability issues during estimating
• Advanced mathematical and analytical skills
• Effective collaborator with Engineering, Sales, Operations, and Project Management
• Precision mindset with exceptional attention to detail

Preferred domains

• Steel pressure pipe or concrete pressure pipe
• Water transmission systems
• Steel pipe fabrication
• Precast or prestressed concrete
• Structural steel fabrication
• Tanks or pressure vessels
• Heavy civil infrastructure
• Water/wastewater infrastructure
• Engineered‑to‑order manufacturing
• Other complex fabricated or engineered products

What success looks like here

Success isn’t just quantity takeoffs. It’s understanding how engineered products are actually built, questioning assumptions, surfacing risk early, and producing estimates that are accurate, competitive, and commercially sound. You’ll be at ease collaborating with engineers, plant teams, project managers, and sales to craft winning bids for complex projects.

About Thompson Pipe Group

Thompson Pipe Group is a privately held, family‑owned manufacturer and among North America’s largest and most diverse providers of drainage, sanitary, pressure, and trenchless pipe products. With operations across the United States, we support major water, wastewater, transportation, and infrastructure projects throughout North America.

Rewards and growth

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Life and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Company‑Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Training and Professional Development
• Employee Discounts
• Career Growth Opportunities

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