Estimator (Injection Molding)

Modern Molding is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Estimator to support our quoting and sales operations. This critical role ensures that all cost estimates for new tooling, production molding, and tool repair are accurate, competitive, and aligned with business objectives. Reporting to the Business Development Manager, the Estimator plays a key role in winning new business, supporting customer requests, and ensuring profitability through well-calculated quotations.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in plastic injection molding, tooling design, and material cost analysis. They are highly skilled in data analysis, cost estimation, and process evaluation, with an ability to balance accuracy with efficiency. This role requires a proactive approach to gathering information, assessing risks, and providing reliable pricing data that supports company growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

Cost Estimation & Quoting:

• Prepare accurate and competitive quotations for new tooling, production molding, and tool repair projects.
• Analyze part designs, material requirements, and processing conditions to develop precise cost estimates.
• Ensure all quotations are completed within three business days of receipt.
• Maintain and track material pricing, labor costs, and outside service expenses to ensure up-to-date and competitive quoting.
• Work closely with engineering, tooling, and production teams to verify feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and risk factors of each project.
• Document and maintain a database of historical quotes, success rates, and pricing trends for continuous improvement.

Process & Performance Management:

• Track and report on the success rate and accuracy of submitted quotes, providing insights into win/loss trends.
• Develop and maintain performance charts detailing:
• Number of quotes processed
• Turnaround time
• Percentage of quotes accepted by customers
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quoting accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain clear documentation and version control for all quoting activities.

Customer & Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Engage with customers, review blueprints and specifications, and clarify technical requirements.
• Work closely with the sales and engineering teams to align quotes with customer expectations and business goals.
• Provide quick, professional responses to customer requests for quotation (RFQs), ensuring clarity and transparency in pricing.
• Ensure that contract terms and conditions related to pricing, tooling, and production are reviewed and considered in each estimate.

Manufacturing & Tooling Knowledge:

• Utilize in-depth knowledge of plastic injection molding processes, tooling design, and material science to develop reliable estimates.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, raw material costs, and secondary processing techniques.
• Partner with tooling and production teams to determine mold design feasibility, cycle times, and cost implications.
• Ensure all estimates comply with Modern Molding’s quality standards and operational constraints.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in estimating, quoting, or cost analysis within a plastic injection molding environment preferred, hands on experience in injection molding and a strong analytical skillset considered.
• Experience with quoting software, ERP systems, and data analytics tools.

Skills & Competencies:

• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of plastic injection molding materials, tooling, and production costs.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze blueprints, production requirements, and cost structures to generate accurate estimates.
• Attention to Detail: Precision and accuracy in calculations, documentation, and pricing strategies.
• Communication Skills: Clear, professional communication with customers, sales teams, and internal departments.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple RFQs, prioritize workload, and meet strict deadlines.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to resolving cost estimation challenges and identifying risk factors.
• Software Proficiency: Experience with Excel, ERP/MRP systems, quoting software, and CAD tools preferred.

Key Competencies:

· Data-Driven Decision Making

· Technical & Manufacturing Knowledge

· Accuracy & Attention to Detail

· Customer & Sales Support

· Process Improvement & Cost Optimization

· Commitment to Core Values: Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, and Value

Modern Molding is a leading manufacturer specializing in precision plastic injection molding solutions. We take pride in our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, serving industries such as heavy off-road vehicle, agriculture, telecommunications, and consumer goods. Our team is dedicated to continuous improvement, fostering a culture that values reliability, responsiveness, and delivering exceptional value to our customers.

At Modern Molding, we believe that success starts with great people. Our operations are built on a foundation of collaboration, technical expertise, and operational excellence. We empower our employees with opportunities for growth, skill development, and leadership, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the injection molding industry

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $90,000