Cost Engineer - Estimator

Pengate Handling Systems•Chalfont, PA

14h

About The Position

Pengate Handling Systems is hiring a Cost Engineer / Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates and competitive commercial proposals for material handling and automation projects. The role works closely with Sales, Applications Engineering, Procurement, Operations, and external suppliers to assess customer requirements, obtain vendor quotations, validate project costs, and prepare comprehensive pricing packages. Relevant technical project experience in material handling systems, conveyor equipment, robotics, controls, construction, manufacturing, or similar environments is valued. The position includes estimating equipment, labor, engineering, software, installation, freight, travel, and subcontractor costs; coordinating supplier quotations; preparing customer-facing proposal materials; and supporting internal review, approval, and project handoff processes. The Cost Engineer / Estimator also helps improve estimating tools, workflows, and processes, including initiatives to standardize and automate estimating activities.

Requirements

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, equipment specifications, layouts, and project requirements.
High attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, well-supported estimates.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with Sales, Engineering, Procurement, Operations, Project Management, and external suppliers.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Ability to identify project risks, scope gaps, and cost-saving opportunities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field is preferred; equivalent education, technical training, and relevant professional experience will be considered.
Two to five years of experience in estimating, engineering support, project coordination, procurement, construction, manufacturing, systems integration, or a related technical environment is preferred.
Experience reviewing technical drawings, project specifications, equipment selections, or vendor quotations is preferred.
Previous experience collaborating with Engineering, Sales, Procurement, Operations, or Project Management teams is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ERP systems, estimating software, CRM platforms, or project management tools.
Knowledge of conveyor systems, robotics, controls, automated storage systems, or other material handling technologies.
Experience within material handling, automation, industrial equipment, manufacturing, systems integration, or construction.

Responsibilities

Develop detailed cost estimates for material handling, warehouse automation, and integrated systems projects.
Review customer requirements, project specifications, layouts, technical drawings, equipment selections, and scope documentation.
Estimate equipment, labor, engineering, software, installation, freight, travel, and subcontractor costs.
Create and maintain internal costing models, estimating tools, pricing databases, and supporting documentation.
Analyze project costs to identify risks, opportunities, and value-engineering alternatives.
Compare estimates with historical project results and lessons learned to improve accuracy.
Update estimates as project requirements and scopes evolve.
Develop and maintain relationships with equipment suppliers, integrators, subcontractors, and other project partners.
Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation to vendors and subcontractors.
Evaluate vendor proposals for pricing, technical compliance, lead times, scope coverage, and commercial terms.
Coordinate with suppliers to clarify requirements, obtain budgetary pricing, and resolve quotation discrepancies.
Partner with Procurement to understand supplier pricing, market conditions, and sourcing opportunities.
Support supplier performance and strategic sourcing initiatives.
Collaborate with Sales and Applications Engineering to develop customer-facing proposals.
Prepare commercial cost summaries, pricing packages, bid documentation, and proposal support materials.
Document project assumptions, exclusions, qualifications, and commercial terms.
Participate in internal proposal reviews and approval processes before customer submission.
Confirm proposals align with company pricing strategies, approval requirements, and profitability goals.
Maintain documentation and audit trails supporting pricing decisions.
Create and validate detailed internal cost sheets for project review and approval.
Support project handoffs to Operations, Engineering, and Project Management.
Communicate pricing assumptions, vendor information, project risks, and scope details to internal stakeholders.
Participate in project kickoff and lessons-learned meetings.
Work with cross-functional teams to improve estimating tools, workflows, and processes.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on standardizing and automating estimating activities.