Project Estimator

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

We have a Project Estimator position opening and seeking a candidate with proven experience developing bids and quotes for aircraft ground support equipment and other custom metal-fabricated products. The Project Estimator will prepare accurate and timely cost estimates to bring projects to life. This role requires excellent time management, attention to detail, and organizational skills to support a fast-growing manufacturing operation. The Project Estimator will collaborate across Sales, Project Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Purchasing to develop competitive proposals that align with client requirements and company profitability goals and plays a critical role in securing and delivering successful projects to clients.

Responsibilities:

• Review bid documents, blueprints, and conceptual drawings to determine project scope and requirements.
• Prepare and submit bid proposals on time, ensuring compliance with bid instructions and specifications.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and value engineering processes as required.
• Solicit and evaluate quotes from vendors and subcontractors.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for materials, labor, subcontractors, equipment, and overhead.
• Maintain updated cost databases and historical project records for benchmarking and future bids.
• Participate in bid reviews, strategy meetings, and post-bid negotiations.
• Support preconstruction efforts and client presentations by providing clear cost breakdowns and scope clarifications.
• Work with sales and operations to refine estimating processes, reduce quote turnaround time, and improve win rates.
• Provide detailed reports and communicate bid strategies effectively to internal teams upon project award.
• Monitor awarded projects, comparing estimated vs. actual costs and lead times, maintaining an estimate-to-actual database for continuous improvement.
• Evaluate design options and recommend solutions that balance cost efficiency, quality, and material availability.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Engineers to clarify scope and pricing strategies, align estimates with project schedules and execution strategies.
• Identify potential risks, value engineering opportunities, and cost-saving alternatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with trade partners, demonstrating clear communication and negotiation skills.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards and requirements (OSHA, ASME, AWS, ISO, etc.).
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive company and customer information.
  

Key Knowledge Areas

1. Technical & Process Knowledge – Proficiency in project estimating using integrated estimating tools & systems. Estimating software (Bluebeam, SolidWorks Costing, AutoCAD, Excel templates); historical cost databases.
2. Costing Fundamentals – Experience in Cost Management, Budgeting, or Construction Estimating is preferred. Knowledge of labor calculation by skill level; material sourcing and scrap factors; overhead allocation; vendor/subcontractor quoting; contingency allowances for custom builds is highly desirable.
3. Industry & Project Specifics – Custom build challenges; standards & compliance; change order handling; client positioning (cost vs. quality).
4. Soft Skills & Business Awareness – Cross-functional communication; vendor negotiation; risk assessment; attention to detail and time management under tight deadlines.

Requirements:

• Engineering or Construction Management degree or equivalent technical training is preferred.
• 3+ years of project estimating experience in custom metal fabrication preferably including both materials and labor or estimating experience in the construction industry.
• Strong business acumen with an understanding of cost drivers and profitability.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering blueprints, drawings, and specifications.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other CAD-integrated estimating tools.
• Skilled in factoring material lead times, supply chain impacts, and inflation trends into estimates.
• Advanced time management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and estimating software.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to assertively clarify requirements with stakeholders.
• Use platforms such as Teams, SharePoint, or cloud-based project management tools to collaborate on bids.

JE Technology Solutions, Inc. is a Zero Tolerance Drug Free Workplace. All offers of employment by JE Technology Solutions, Inc. are contingent on completion of a pre-employment drug screening within 2 business days of your offer acceptance and a background check with results in compliance with company policy.

Upon hire, JE Technology Solutions, Inc. uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility for all roles based in the United States.

JE Technology Solutions, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.