Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
KL
KWF LLC
Project Estimator - Custom Metal Fabrication
Career Insights for Estimator
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Iowa data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
An Estimator provides cost estimates for a project, based on an evaluation of the materials, labor, time and equipment needed to complete the project. May specialize in many aspects of construction or in manufacturing and design industries.
$78,904 / year median in Iowa
+10% projected growth
Job Description
Project Estimator - Custom Metal Fabrication | Full-Time | Griswold, Iowa KWF is looking for a Project Estimator to join our team and help turn custom metal projects into accurate, competitive quotes. This is a hands-on estimating role for someone who understands how things are actually built. You'll review customer drawings and project specifications, determine the materials and labor required, gather vendor pricing, and develop quotes for custom fabrication projects. The right person will be comfortable reading blueprints and technical drawings, understand metal fabrication processes, and be able to communicate with customers, vendors, engineering, production, and project management. What You'll Do Review customer drawings, specifications, and requests for quotation. Perform material takeoffs and calculate labor, equipment, subcontracting, finishing, freight, and installation costs. Prepare accurate and competitive quotes for custom metal fabrication projects. Estimate projects involving cutting, forming, machining, welding, assembly, polishing, painting, powder coating, and other finishing processes. Request and evaluate pricing from material suppliers and subcontractors. Identify missing information, design concerns, production risks, and opportunities to reduce costs. Communicate with customers to clarify project requirements, schedules, and scope. Maintain current pricing for metals, purchased components, outside services, and shop labor. Review completed jobs and compare estimated costs with actual production results. Help improve estimating standards based on job performance. Assist with value engineering and alternative material or manufacturing recommendations. Coordinate the handoff of awarded projects to engineering, purchasing, production, and project management. Maintain organized quote records, follow up on open estimates, and support change-order pricing. What We're Looking For 2+ years of estimating experience in metal fabrication, manufacturing, machining, construction, or a related industry preferred. Strong knowledge of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Understanding of fabrication processes such as laser or plasma cutting, bending, rolling, machining, welding, grinding, and finishing. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, CAD files, and technical specifications. Strong math, analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Experience with Microsoft Excel and estimating, ERP, or manufacturing software. CAD experience is helpful but not required. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines. A valid driver's license may be required for jobsite visits.