Manufacturing Cost Estimator

Job Description This company is a high-growth manufacturer based in Louisa, Virginia, specializing in sheet metal fabrication,welding, machining, coatings, and the design and build of turnkey mechanical systems. In addition to fullsystem integration and production, we also design custom equipment and collaborate with customers torefine and optimize their product designs. Our capabilities include UL 508A industrial control panels andelectrical assemblies as part of broader engineered solutions.Our capabilities are organized into five strategic verticals: Engineered Plant Equipment, OEM Equipment,Data Infrastructure, Defense; Secure Facility Components, Exhaust Systems, and ContractManufacturing.What You'll Do:Review project drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to develop accurate cost estimatesfor sheet metal fabrication projects. You'll evaluate material, machine time, and overhead costs; preparedetailed budgets and competitive bids; assess risks; and work closely with engineering, production, andpurchasing teams to ensure projects are profitable, technically feasible, and delivered within scope fromquoting through production.Daily Tasks:Cost Analysis; EstimationAnalyze fabrication drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to prepare accurate costestimates for materials, labor, machine time, tooling, and finishing processes.Bid; Quotation SupportPrepare detailed quotes, bid packages, and tender documentation for custom and production sheet metalprojects.Quantity Takeoffs; BOM Development Coordinate with Buyer/Planner to generate Bills of Materials (BOM) and Bills of Quantities (BOQ), accounting for raw materials, purchased components, and fabrication requirements.Source and evaluate vendor quotes for materials, laser cutting, forming, welding, coating, and outsourcedprocesses; negotiate pricing and lead times as needed.Budgeting; Cost ControlDevelop cost models, track actual costs against estimates, and support forecasting and margin analysisthroughout the project lifecycle.Identify cost, material, and production risks related to tolerances, lead times, capacity, and fabricationcomplexity; recommend mitigation strategies.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with engineering, production managers, quality, and customers to ensure estimates alignwith fabrication capabilities, schedules, and customer expectations.What You Bring:Technical ExpertiseStrong ability to read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and fabrication specifications related tosheet metal components and assemblies.Analytical; Problem-Solving SkillsHigh attention to detail with strong mathematical and analytical skills for complex cost breakdowns andcomparisons.Systems; Software ProficiencyExperience with estimating tools, ERP/MRP systems, and Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skillspreferred.Manufacturing; Fabrication KnowledgeSolid understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes, including cutting, forming, welding, finishing,and assembly.Communication; Negotiation SkillsAbility to collaborate across departments, negotiate with suppliers, and clearly present cost analyses tointernal stakeholders and customers.Competitive pay, benefits, and long-term growth opportunity.Company DescriptionMillsourcing is a women-owned executive search firm specializing in professional services, workforce solutions, and strategic talent acquisition. Millsourcing partners with companies nationwide to deliver top-tier talent, strategic hiring solutions, and scalable workforce growth.Company DescriptionMillsourcing is a women-owned executive search firm specializing in professional services, workforce solutions, and strategic talent acquisition. Millsourcing partners with companies nationwide to deliver top-tier talent, strategic hiring solutions, and scalable workforce growth.