Estimator

Job Title: Estimator Metal Fabrication Job Description
The Estimator is responsible for accurately forecasting project costs within a metal fabrication environment, considering raw materials, labor, equipment, tools, and transportation. This role gathers and analyzes technical information and order specifications to develop precise bills of materials and cost estimates, while collaborating closely with customers and internal fabrication teams to support successful, on-time project delivery. The position may also support CNC machining programming as needed and plays a key role in driving both operational efficiency and profitability.
Responsibilities
- Analyze project requirements and specifications to develop accurate cost estimates for metal fabrication projects.
- Calculate complete project costs, including raw materials, labor, equipment, tools, machining, welding, and transportation.
- Create and maintain detailed bills of materials (BOM) for each project based on engineering drawings and specifications.
- Gather, compile, and validate all data needed to estimate production costs according to order specifications.
- Review and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications to determine material types, dimensions, processes, and required resources.
- Apply knowledge of ASTM and other relevant standards when evaluating materials and fabrication requirements.
- Work closely with the internal fabrication team to confirm manufacturability, production methods, and timing for each project.
- Collaborate with customers via email, phone calls, and meetings to clarify requirements, discuss estimates, and support a smooth quotation process.
- Support on-time delivery by aligning estimates with realistic production schedules and capacity.
- Assist with CNC machining programming as needed to support accurate quoting and efficient production planning.
- Use estimating software and Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, to prepare, track, and update estimates and related documentation.
- Incorporate knowledge of aluminum, welding, machining processes, and general metal fabrication into pricing and process selection.
- Ensure a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in all estimates and project documentation.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and best practices to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Essential Skills
- At least 2 years of experience performing cost estimation in a job shop or metal fabrication environment.
- At least 2 years of experience reviewing and interpreting engineering drawings and blueprints.
- Hands-on experience in a metal fabrication setting, including exposure to welding and machining processes.
- Proficiency with estimating software used to develop and manage project cost estimates.
- Ability to create and manage detailed bills of materials (BOM) for fabrication projects.
- Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, engineering specifications, and blueprints.
- Working knowledge of ASTM standards and their application to metals and fabrication projects.
- Practical understanding of metal fabrication, including aluminum fabrication, welding, and machining processes.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD for reviewing and working with technical drawings.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software to interpret and utilize models for estimating.
- Strong skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, for building and maintaining estimating spreadsheets and reports.
- Engineering or related Associate Degree, or equivalent technical education in a relevant field.
- Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and completeness in all estimates and documentation.
- Effective communication skills for engaging with customers through email, calls, and meetings.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Background in welding and machining, either through education, training, or hands-on experience.
- Experience working directly with aluminum and other metals in a fabrication environment.
- Familiarity with CNC machining programming and its impact on project cost and timing.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, and sales.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple estimates and projects simultaneously.
- Customer-focused mindset with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
- Comfort working with incentive-based compensation structures tied to company performance.
Work Environment
This role operates in a metal fabrication environment and requires regular interaction with engineering, production, and other internal teams, as well as direct communication with customers. The position follows a MondayFriday schedule on a standard full-time workweek. You will work with technologies such as estimating software, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Microsoft Office (especially Excel), and CNC-related tools. The environment combines office-based tasks, such as reviewing drawings and preparing estimates, with frequent collaboration with shop personnel to understand fabrication processes and constraints. The company offers a performance-driven culture with quarterly incentive programs based on metrics such as gross margin and volume sold, providing significant potential for additional earnings tied to overall results.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.80 - $48.20/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.