Strategic Estimator: Value Engineering & Cost Modeling

Robinson, Inc.; De Pere (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Robinson, Inc. is seeking an Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates based on specifications and evolving project details.

The role collaborates with Sales, Engineering, and Project Management to balance cost, manufacturability, and customer expectations. The ideal candidate will interpret technical documentation, apply value‑engineering concepts, and price materials, fabrication processes, and labor hours across fabrication disciplines.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing or fabrication estimating, engineering, or production‑related roles.
• Strong ability to interpret written specifications and technical documentation.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes (fabrication, assembly, machining, etc.)
• High attention to detail, analytical thinking, and comfort working with ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret written specifications, customer requirements, and partial drawings.
• Develop conceptual assumptions and layouts to support early‑stage pricing.
• Identify scope gaps, cost drivers, and areas of risk during quote development.
• Apply value‑engineering concepts to meet customer budgets and performance requirements.
• Prepare budgetary and semi‑detailed estimates where designs are not fully defined.
• Price materials, components, and fabrication processes.
• Estimate labor hours by manufacturing process, including setup and run times.
• Apply manufacturing routings and work center standards to build accurate cost models.
• Document assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications clearly within each quote.
• Partner with Sales to support customer discussions and proposal strategy.
• Collaborate with Engineering to align estimates with manufacturability and design intent.
• Communicate with Project Management on scope transitions from quote to execution.
• Maintain ownership of assigned quotes from RFQ intake through final submission.
• Generate and revise quotes electronically as project details evolve.
• Ensure customer, industry, and statutory requirements are met.

Skills

Manufacturing estimating

Interpret specifications

Detail oriented

Ambiguity handling

Tools

Infor CSI/Syteline

Excel

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Robinson, Inc. is seeking an Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates based on specifications and evolving project details.

The role collaborates with Sales, Engineering, and Project Management to balance cost, manufacturability, and customer expectations. The ideal candidate will interpret technical documentation, apply value‑engineering concepts, and price materials, fabrication processes, and labor hours across fabrication disciplines.