Estimator

Cates Control Systems•Wylie, TX

5d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

Job Purpose: The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, timely, and well-documented project estimates that support profitable project execution. This role evaluates technical scope, identifies risk and assumptions, applies estimating standards, and partners with Sales, Engineering, Fabrication, and Operations to protect gross margin and support informed bid decisions. More About Us Cates Control Systems was founded over 40 years ago and is an award-winning systems integration company that partners with manufacturing firms to develop and implement automation solutions to increase production, improve quality and reduce costs. Our customers are extremely diverse and spread all over North America (and a few internationally). Our customers make roofing shingles, fry potato chips, roast coffee, process poultry and beef, distill water, bottle apple juice, and ship all over the world. Cates is committed to delivering quality solutions that we stand behind through service and support. Our vision is to positively impact the lives of others. We are a fun, friendly company with a strong family atmosphere and 12 core principles that guide us at every step in our success. Our culture is firmly rooted in the values of honesty, integrity, commitment, and reliability. To learn more about Cates, please visit us at www.cates.com .

Requirements

Five (5) or more years of experience with a reputable control system integrator working with PLCs, PACs, HMIs, drives, and related automation systems.
Prior involvement in project estimating, project execution, or engineering leadership strongly preferred.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously.
Clear and concise written communication skills for documenting scope, assumptions, and exclusions.
Effective verbal communication and the confidence to challenge unclear or incomplete scope.
Sound judgment when estimating with incomplete or evolving information.
Experience interpreting P&IDs, control narratives, and system specifications.
Experience creating and reviewing PLC I/O lists.
Working knowledge of electrical and motor control systems.
Familiarity with NEC, UL, OSHA, IEC, arc flash, and industrial safety systems.
Awareness of electrical installations in hazardous (classified) locations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Electrical panel design and/or AutoCAD experience is a plus.
Experience developing proposal graphics or diagrams (e.g., Visio).

Responsibilities

Evaluate project scope as provided by Sales to determine required labor hours for Engineering, Project Management, Programming, Design, Panel Manufacturing, and related functions.
Review customer-supplied documentation (specifications, drawings, P&IDs, narratives, etc.) to confirm scope completeness and identify gaps, assumptions, exclusions, and risks.
Apply approved labor formulas and Estimating Guidelines to develop consistent, repeatable estimates aligned with company standards.
Accurately estimate panel manufacturing labor, including layout, wiring, assembly, testing, and documentation activities.
Accurately estimate panel manufacturing hardware and material costs, including enclosures, backplates, power distribution, PLCs, HMIs, networking components, wiring, terminals, and accessories.
Coordinate Engineering and Fabrication scope prior to releasing quotes to Sales.
Visit customer sites when necessary to validate scope, constraints, and execution considerations.
Identify technical, schedule, and execution risks within proposed scopes of work and clearly document them in estimates.
Escalate estimates that fall below target margin or contain elevated risk to the Lead Estimator and Sales leadership.
Clearly document assumptions, exclusions, clarifications, and deliverables to minimize downstream scope disputes and change orders.
Support Sales in bid strategy discussions by providing technical and execution insight.
Manage personal quoting queue, establish daily priorities, and meet committed turnaround times.
Ensure accurate and complete use of iFlow workflow and all required estimating documentation.
Participate in post-project reviews to compare estimated vs. actual labor and material performance.
Periodically review, update, and improve Engineering Estimating Guidelines based on historical project performance and lessons learned.
Collaborate with Project Managers and Engineering leadership to continuously improve estimating accuracy and predictability.