Manufacturing Estimator

PRO-TYPE INDUSTRIES INC•Sterling, VA

86d•$70,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Manufacturing Estimator: Independent and Focused Full Time Salary Range: $70,000 to $90,000 annually The Person Are you someone who thrives working independently, enjoys maintaining a steady pace while tackling a variety of detailed tasks, and takes pride in delivering precision and quality? If so, we hope you’ll apply. Pro-Type Industries is looking for a self-motivated, detail-oriented Manufacturing Estimator to join our Sterling, VA metal fabrication team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who values consistency, craftsmanship an can maximize efficiency and quality of machining efforts in a flexible high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment. The Estimator is responsible for evaluating customer RFQs, interpreting technical drawings, developing accurate cost estimates, and supporting pricing strategies to ensure competitive, profitable bids and customer service to clients and vendors. Our long-standing success is attributed to its dedicated workforce, considered its greatest resource for future growth.

Requirements

Excellent organizational skills; detailed orientated and able to handle multiple tasks; able to prioritize; able to meet deadlines
Self-motivated; able to work independently with little or no supervision
Able to make responsible decisions, and problem solve
Able to communicate with all levels of management and staff effectively
Analytical abilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with both technical and non-technical individuals
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word)
3–5 years of experience in job estimating within metal fabrication, CNC machining, aerospace manufacturing, or similar industry.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, BOMs, and technical specifications.
Strong understanding of machining processes, metal materials, fabrication methods, and shop operations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, manufacturing engineering, or related field is preferred but not required.
Proficiency with estimating/ERP software—JobBOSS experience strongly preferred.
Experience with quoting aerospace components, tight-tolerance parts, or AS9100-regulated workflows.
Knowledge of material pricing trends and supplier sourcing for metals, hardware, finishes, and coatings.
Background in CNC programming or hands-on machining experience.

Responsibilities

Review RFQs, engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications to determine material, labor, machining, and finishing requirements.
Develop accurate estimates for CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, assembly, and value-added services.
Utilize JobBOSS or comparable ERP/estimating systems to enter data, generate quotes, and analyze job costing.
Identify outsourced processes and obtain vendor/subcontractor quotes as needed.
Evaluate production workflow, machine time, cycle time, and tooling requirements.
Partner with Engineering and Production to validate manufacturability and ensure estimates align with shop capabilities, equipment, and tolerances.
Participate in kickoff meetings to communicate critical job details and ensure project alignment.
Recommend process improvements or alternative fabrication approaches to improve cost efficiency.
Work with Sales and Account Managers to clarify requirements and ensure timely, accurate quote responses.
Communicate clearly with customers regarding questions, lead times, forecasted pricing, and scope clarifications.
Provide revisions to estimates as needed based on changes in design or scope.
Maintain accurate costing data (materials, labor rates, machine rates).
Track actual job performance against estimates and identify opportunities to improve future pricing accuracy.
Support continuous improvement initiatives around estimating accuracy, throughput, and scheduling efficiency.