The Role We are hiring an Estimator to own cost and lead time estimating for jobs moving from sales into production. This is a new role created to close the gap between what we quote and what a job actually costs and takes to build, and to govern the release of jobs to the shop floor so that production only starts work that is fully ready. Key Responsibilities Prepare cost estimates for quoted jobs, covering material, labor, and machine time, using shop rate cards, routing data, and historical job performance. Prepare lead time estimates for quoted jobs based on current shop capacity, backlog, and job complexity, serving as the shop's real-time source for what we can promise customers. Own the release gate between the sales pipeline and the operations pipeline. Confirm that materials, routing, drawings, and approvals are complete before a job is scheduled and released to the shop floor. Coordinate pre-production activity, including routing, cut lists, and material ordering, so that released jobs are ready to start without delay. Track quoted hours against actual hours by job and report the variance to close the estimating feedback loop and improve future accuracy. Communicate cost and lead time clearly to the sales team. Final customer pricing and margin decisions remain with sales and finance. Maintain estimating standards and reference data, including rate cards and standardized work units, so estimates stay consistent as the job mix changes. Evaluate standard product cost and profitability on a regular basis, to strategize business' priorities Required Qualifications Experience estimating cost and lead time in a metal fabrication, custom manufacturing, or job shop environment. Working knowledge of routing, bills of material, and shop floor scheduling concepts. Ability to read fabrication drawings and specifications, including DXF or STEP files, well enough to scope a job and produce take offs. Strong skills in Excel or similar tools for building and maintaining cost models. Clear written and verbal communication with sales, production, and leadership. Preferred Qualifications Experience with an ERP or MRP system used in a job shop or make-to-order environment, such as Fulcrum. Familiarity with high-mix, low-volume production and standardized work unit concepts. Background in sheet metal fabrication, welding, or architectural metal products. #INDPRO