Tooling Cost Estimator

Pinnacle Tool LLC; Wyoming (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinnacle Tool LLC is seeking a Tooling Cost Estimator to prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates and quotations for progressive dies, transfer dies, line dies, and related metal forming projects.

This role reviews RFQs, CAD drawings, material specs, and customer requirements to determine blank size, die layout, tooling costs, and lead times, collaborating with customers and internal teams to ensure accurate quotations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; journeyman tool & die maker preferred.
• 10+ years in tool & die, metal stamping, estimating, or related manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal processing in automotive and non-automotive environments.
• Proficient 3D CAD user for nesting, blank shape creation, and weight estimation.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs, prints, CAD models, specifications, and other technical docs to determine project requirements.
• Identify manufacturing processes, equipment needs, tooling requirements, and potential production challenges.
• Develop blank size, die size, and tooling cost estimates for progressive, transfer, and line dies and related projects.
• Prepare detailed customer cost breakdowns as required.
• Participate in quote review meetings and advise on pricing, lead times, and feasibility.

Skills

CAD proficiency

GD&T reading

Excel proficiency

Project management

Communication skills

Manufacturing knowledge

Education

Journeyman tool & die

Tools

Visi

AutoForm

Job description

The Tooling Cost Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates and quotations for progressive dies, transfer dies, line dies, and related metal forming projects. This position reviews customer requests for quotation (RFQ’s), associated attachments such as CAD models, drawings, material specifications, and customer equipment specifications to prepare an accurate quote. The cost estimator uses CAD and/or drawings to determine appropriate blank size, tooling process lineup, tooling size, and ultimately the tooling cost.

A successful candidate possesses broad knowledge of the North American tool and die industry as well as the North American metal stamping industry for automotive and non-automotive products. The candidate must possess excellent technical, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Position Summary

The Tooling Cost Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates and quotations for progressive dies, transfer dies, line dies, and related metal forming projects. This position reviews customer requests for quotation (RFQ’s), associated attachments such as CAD models, drawings, material specifications, and customer equipment specifications to prepare an accurate quote. The cost estimator uses CAD and/or drawings to determine appropriate blank size, tooling process lineup, tooling size, and ultimately the tooling cost.

A successful candidate possesses broad knowledge of the North American tool and die industry as well as the North American metal stamping industry for automotive and non-automotive products. The candidate must possess excellent technical, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review customer RFQs, prints, CAD models, specifications, and other technical documentation to determine project requirements.
• Identify manufacturing processes, equipment requirements, tooling requirements, and potential production challenges.
• Develop blank size, station lineup, die size, and tooling costs cost estimates for progressive dies, transfer dies, line dies, and related manufacturing projects.
• Prepare detailed customer cost breakdowns as required.
• Participate in quote review meetings and communicate recommendations regarding pricing, lead times, and project feasibility.
• Maintain accurate estimating records, quote documentation, and historical cost information.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to estimating procedures, quoting accuracy, manufacturing efficiency, and profitability.
• Communicate with customers, suppliers, and internal team members as needed to clarify technical or commercial requirements.
• Assist with project handoff following receipt of a purchase order to ensure all requirements, assumptions, and quoted details are clearly communicated to the management team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Journeyman tool & die maker, technical degree, or equivalent experience in tool and die, metal stamping operations, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of [10] years of experience in tool and die, metal stamping, estimating, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal product processing in a broad range of automotive and non-automotive manufacturing commodities.
• Pragmatic 3D CAD user (Visi or Autoform preferred) to analyze product, refinement zones, create blank shape, nesting, and gross blank weight.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, engineering specifications, and customer requirements.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple RFQs and projects while meeting established deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, customers, and suppliers.
• Ability to occasionally visit the manufacturing floor to review tooling, equipment, and production processes.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move materials or objects consistent with normal manufacturing and office environments.

Work Environment

This position works primarily in an office environment with regular interaction and collaboration in the engineering and manufacturing environment. Appropriate personal protective equipment may be required.