Job Title: Design-Focused Project Estimator

Reports to: President of IFS

FLSA Status: Hourly - Full-time (Non-Exempt)

Date Updated: June 2024

Industrial Fabrication Services (IFS) in Lake Crystal, Minnesota is a custom metal fabrication facility that builds metal components for many bulk material-handling industries. Currently IFS employs about 100 people in a 75,000 square foot facility. IFS is located 12 miles southwest of Mankato, Minnesota, just off Highway 60, in the Lake Crystal Industrial Park. From this location IFS ships products throughout the continental USA, Canada, Mexico, and worldwide. IFS works primarily with general contractors, custom equipment manufacturers, mining companies, agricultural processors, and power generation facilities.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Design-Focused Project Estimator prepares initial cost estimates for projects with a significant design component. These estimates may be based on upfront design work (e.g. CAD 2D & 3D), or on a detailed understanding of the project scope. The Design-Focused Project Estimator may then finalize the pricing themselves or hand it off to a dedicated estimator for further modification.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Estimating:

· Prepare detailed and accurate estimates based on client information and project requirements.

· Ensure estimates adhere to company standards and account for potential cost impacts.

· Generate clear and concise quotes based on the developed estimates.

Design and Development:

· Work with client to review project goals

· Apply engineering principles to develop detailed designs and conduct design reviews as needed.

· Validate conceptual designs for manufacturability while incorporating client needs.

Communication and Collaboration:

· Maintain open communication with various departments (Project Management, Project Engineering, Drafting, Fabrication, Welding, Painting, Shipping) to stay informed of potential issues affecting estimates and project execution.

· Proactively communicate with clients throughout the design and estimating process.

Develop Expertise:

· Continuously learn and expand knowledge of IFS capabilities, relevant manufacturing processes, and industry best practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Education: Bachelor's degree in a technical field (Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Construction Management) -or- an Associate degree with relevant experience (e.g. 1-3 years industry knowledge in construction, fabrication or other mechanical/technical field).

· Software Proficiency:

o Strong proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, and Word).

o Prior use and understanding of CAD (2D & 3D) and modeling software.

· Technical Skills:

o Knowledge of steel suppliers and their standard and specialty products.

o Solid understanding of geometrical and trigonometric principles.

o Ability to read and interpret technical drawings (blueprints).

· Professional Qualities:

o Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.

o Excellent organizational skills.

o Strong teamwork mentality with a willingness to collaborate and support colleagues.

o Adaptability and a proactive approach to learning new skills as IFS grows and roles change.

o Professionalism through dependable presence, reliable task completion, and consistent performance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This role requires the ability to perform the following physical tasks:

· Essential: Regularly stand, walk, talk, and hear. Occasionally sit, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. Frequently lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with occasional lifting of up to 75 pounds.

· Reasonable Accommodation: We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

BENEFITS PACKAGE:

· Competitive wage scale with opportunity for profit sharing after 90-day introduction period

· (8) Paid Holidays

· Personal Time Off

· Health Insurance

· $30,000.00 Life Insurance Policy – 100% paid by IFS

· Long Term Disability – 100% paid by IFS

· 401K Retirement Plan – IFS matches up to 5% 

· Optional Participation Programs:

o Health Savings Plan (HSA)

o Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

o Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

o Dental and Vision Insurance

o Supplemental Life & Disability Insurance

o Group Accident & Critical Illness Insurance