About this role
Quoting & Project Specialist
Compensation, Shift, & Location Details
Pay Rate: $20.00 - $25.00/hour (depending on experience)
Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Dayton, OH 45404
Experience: 1-3+ years of experience estimating, quoting, or project managing in a custom metal fabrication, machining, or manufacturing environment.
The Quoting & Project Specialist plays a pivotal role in driving the commercial success and operational flow of our metal fabrication shop. This position is responsible for analyzing technical engineering drawings, material specifications, and scope requirements to compile comprehensive, competitive cost estimates and formal pricing proposals. Beyond estimating, the Quoting & Project Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for prospective and existing customers—presenting proposals, negotiating key terms, and facilitating a seamless transition from quote acceptance into project management and execution.
Quoting & Project Specialist - Key Responsibilities
1. Cost Estimating & Pricing Strategy
Analyze customer RFQs (Request for Quotes), CAD models, engineering prints, and technical specifications for sheet metal, structural steel, CNC machining, and custom fabrication projects.
Calculate precise material costs (raw metals, hardware, buyouts, coatings) and estimate required labor hours across various shop processes (laser cutting, press brake bending, welding, assembly, finishing).
Solicit and evaluate vendor pricing for outsourced services, specialized raw materials, and secondary processing (e.g., powder coating, heat treating, plating).
Develop competitive pricing models that maintain company profitability guidelines while winning strategically important customer accounts.
2. Customer Relationship & Proposal Presentation
Serve as the dedicated primary point of contact (POC) for customers throughout the RFQ cycle and subsequent project lifecycle.
Prepare and deliver clear, detailed, and professional sales proposals and formal quotations to clients.
Conduct post-submission follow-ups with customers, answering technical questions, negotiating pricing adjustments, and addressing scope modifications.
Build strong, long-term relationships with engineering, procurement, and management teams at client organizations.
3. Project Management & Account Oversight
Lead project kickoff meetings internally upon order receipt, translating accepted quotes into bill of materials (BOM), shop routing instructions, and production schedules.
Monitor key aspects of project progression, assisting production leadership to ensure scope, timeline, and quality expectations align with the original quotation.
Manage change orders and scope drift, negotiating revised pricing and schedule adjustments with the customer as project parameters evolve.
Provide proactive updates to customers regarding project milestones, shipping schedules, and technical challenges.
Quoting & Project Specialist - Position Qualifications & Skills Summary
Education & Experience
High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or Business preferred.
1–3+ years of experience estimating, quoting, or project managing in a custom metal fabrication, machining, or manufacturing environment.
Technical Knowledge
Proficiency in reading blueprints, weld symbols, GD&T, and 2D/3D CAD files (SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
Deep understanding of fabrication processes (laser/plasma cutting, press brake forming, MIG/TIG welding, hardware insertion, finishing).
Familiarity with raw material grading (carbon steel, stainless, aluminum) and market pricing dynamics.
Software & Tools
Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., JobBOSS, Epicor, E2, Global Shop) and estimating software module integration.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office Suite.
Soft Skills & Abilities
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with strong presentation ability.
High detail orientation, negotiation skills, and commercial acumen.
Ability to multitask and manage tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Quoting & Project Specialist - Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Primarily office-based work environment with frequent presence on the shop floor to inspect operations and consult with fabrication supervisors.
Occasional safety gear required (safety glasses, steel-toe boots, ear protection) when walking production areas.
Ready to Level Up Your Career?
Apply today and have an updated resume ready for consideration.
Have any questions? Give us a call at (937) 965-0765.
PrideStaff wants YOU to succeed! Our dedicated team of consultants provides market insights and resources so we can offer the support you need along the way. Over the years, we have helped tens of thousands of people find outstanding career growth opportunities. At PrideStaff, we truly value people, and we are dedicated to getting to know you and advocating on your behalf with our network of employers from across the country! Our Recruiters will help guide you with career tools and resources to ensure your success! Compensation / Pay Rate (Up to): $20.00 - $25.00 Per Hour
