The posting
Position Summary
The Steel Plate, Sheet, and Structural Fabrication Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates and proposals for a wide variety of fabricated steel projects. This position evaluates customer specifications, drawings, and bid documents involving plate fabrication, sheet metal fabrication, and structural steel fabrication to determine labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and outside processing costs.
The ideal candidate possesses strong technical knowledge of fabrication processes and structural steel construction practices and can effectively coordinate with customers, engineering, production, purchasing, and project management teams to secure profitable work while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Review and interpret customer drawings, specifications, bills of material, and bid documents.
- Develop complete cost estimates for:
- Heavy and light plate fabrications
- Sheet metal fabrications
- Structural steel fabrications and assemblies
- Weldments and complex fabricated assemblies
- Perform material take-offs from drawings and electronic models.
- Calculate labor requirements for fabrication operations including:
- Cutting
- Sawing
- Plasma and oxy-fuel processing
- Laser cutting
- Forming and rolling
- Machining
- Welding
- Assembly
- Surface preparation and painting
- Inspection and testing
- Solicit and evaluate quotations from suppliers and subcontractors for:
- Raw materials
- Machining
- Heat treating
- Non-destructive testing
- Freight and logistics services.
- Prepare detailed quotations, proposals, clarifications, and bid summaries.
- Identify project risks, exclusions, assumptions, and value engineering opportunities.
- Maintain estimating databases, labor standards, and historical cost information.
- Coordinate with engineering and production personnel to verify manufacturability and optimize fabrication methods.
- Participate in bid review meetings and management presentations.
- Negotiate scope revisions and pricing adjustments with customers when appropriate.
- Support project handoff activities following award to ensure seamless transition to operations.
- Monitor estimate accuracy by comparing actual project performance to original estimates and implementing continuous improvements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, vendors, and subcontractors.
Required Qualifications
- Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Business, or related field preferred. Equivalent industry experience will be considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of estimating experience in steel fabrication, structural steel, plate fabrication, or related manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated experience estimating fabricated steel projects from customer drawings and specifications.
- Strong understanding of:
- Structural steel fabrication practices
- Plate and sheet metal manufacturing processes
- Welding methods and productivity factors
- Material grades and specifications
- Shop operations and production workflows.
- Ability to read and interpret:
- Structural drawings
- Fabrication drawings
- Architectural and engineering specifications
- Welding symbols
- Codes and standards.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Excellent mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience estimating projects for the petrochemical, energy, industrial, marine, heavy equipment, or infrastructure sectors.
- Familiarity with:
- AISC standards
- AWS welding codes
- Experience using estimating and fabrication software such as:
- Bluebeam
- ACC (Autodesk Construction Cloud)
- AutoCAD/Revit
- SolidWorks
- Net Suite ERP
- Knowledge of Houston Gulf Coast industrial markets and customer base.
Key Competencies
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Time management and prioritization
- Customer Service Orientation
- Team collaboration
- Initiative and accountability
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
- Occasional travel to customer sites, fabrication shops, and supplier locations.
- Ability to walk manufacturing facilities and construction environments while observing all safety requirements.
