Manufacturing Estimator

Job Type

The Manufacturing Estimator plays a critical role in supporting the financial health of our wire harness manufacturing operations by analyzing and setting competitive pricing strategies.

The Manufacturing Estimator collaborates with Sales, Operations, and Finance teams to ensure pricing is competitive, aligned with market expectations, and maximizes company revenue.

Key Responsibilities:

• Customer Communication & RFQ Management: Engage with customers to understand project needs and respond to Requests for Quotation (RFQs). Clarify project requirements, answer estimate-related questions, and negotiate terms as needed. Support site visits with outside sales or purchasing to enhance customer/vendor relationships and address specific needs.
• Project Documentation & ERP Management: Prepare estimates by gathering drawings, BOMs, spec sheets, and other project-related documents. Organize and maintain project files in the ERP system.
• Cost Estimation & Analysis: Analyze specifications to create accurate, detailed cost estimates including materials, labor, tooling, and overhead. Monitor product performance and profitability for existing orders, recommending pricing adjustments when needed. Suggest cost-effective alternatives in materials and processes to optimize overall project cost without compromising quality.
• Material & BOM Management: Create material sourcing plans and validate pricing accuracy. Build and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) in alignment with project requirements. Work with suppliers to obtain competitive pricing and ensure compliance with specifications and industry standards.
• Labor Planning & Time Estimation: Establish labor plans for assembly builds. Calculate labor requirements and production timelines including testing, assembly, and quality assurance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and production to ensure feasible and accurate estimates. Communicate effectively across departments to ensure smooth transitions from quote to production. Provide cross-functional teams with pricing insights and data to support strategic decision-making.
• Pricing Strategy & Market Positioning: Manage pricing efforts to ensure timely quote responses that align with customer expectations and profitability goals. Develop pricing strategies that reflect market behavior and internal margin targets. Recommend markups and competitive pricing positions based on industry trends and customer profiles.
• Design for Manufacturability: Work collaboratively with customers to improve design elements that impact manufacturability. Recommend adjustments to reduce lead times, material costs, and labor requirements.
• Documentation & Recordkeeping: Maintain detailed estimate records including assumptions, material lists, labor data, and final quotes for traceability and auditing.
• Continuous Improvement & Support: Participate in process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and accuracy in estimating. Provide feedback to management and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field is preferred (relevant work experience may be considered)
• Prior experience as an estimator or in a similar role
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in cost estimating within the wire harness manufacturing industry or a similar manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of wire harness manufacturing processes, materials, and industry standards (e.g., IPC/WHMA-A-620)
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex technical documents and develop accurate cost estimates
• Strong negotiation skills to manage customer expectations and secure profitable contracts
• Experience managing or overseeing projects from the quoting stage through to production and delivery
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with customers, suppliers, and internal teams
• Proficiency in estimating software and tools commonly used in the industry (e.g., Mie Trak Pro, Paperless Parts, or similar)
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel and SQL
• Experience working with ERP systems (currently using Microsoft Navision)
• Proficiency in PDF viewer and CAD viewer tools (Preferred but not required: Zuken and SolidWorks)
• Background or previous experience in Engineering, preferably Mechanical Engineering
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and their application in cost estimation

Working Environment:

The position works indoors in a climate-controlled environment with time spent in both an office and warehouse environment. Travel is limited.

Salary: $60,000

Salary : $60,000