The primary responsibility of the Cost Estimator is to generate (firm and budgetary) cost models, cash flow analysis and post-contract evaluations for custom designed (non-standard) industrial equipment including thermal processing (rotary kilns, calciners, dryers and coolers) and milling and classifying equipment. The cost estimator, in conjunction with supply chain, supports an application engineering/sales technical team, providing them with the applicable cost analyses required for a project while meeting sales objectives and aligning with company profitability goals.
Essential Job Functions:
- Generate accurate budgetary and firm pricing cost estimates in a timely manner for technical equipment tenders. This includes, but is not limited to, reviewing supplier’s quotations for accuracy, developing cash flow using project specific milestone payments, incorporating risk contingency, reviewing engineering, project management and service allocations and rates, and overall correctness of cost model.
- Prepare a post contract review that analyzes actual vs estimated costs, consider and provide commentary on large cost fluctuations, margin impact, and supplier performance.
- Maintain and update budgetary pricing spreadsheets annually
- Evaluate and report on trends of material costs (such as alloy plate, machining, forgings, castings, etc.)
- Read, understand, and interpret engineering drawings and BOMs to accurately estimate the equipment, including weldment, machining and fabrication details.
- General collaboration and support of application engineering, project management and supply chain teams in tendering phase of project or during contract execution.
Your qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Extensive working knowledge and experience of cost estimating and accounting principles
- Advanced, high level mathematical skills
- Critical thinking and creativity to assess complex technical requirements and provide insight to supply chain and engineering team as to how best to cost/price them.
- Highly proficient user of MS Office applications with strong emphasis on Excel.
- Highly proficient user of SAP or similar ERP systems. Will be required to access costs and information related to contract evaluations.
- Excellent time management, organization and planning skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and workload in a fast paced, rapidly growing and challenging environment while still meeting deadlines.
- Understanding the typical sales cycle and how to effectively work with engineering sales team to provide timely turnaround on project cost estimates and pricing requirements.
- Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree Industrial Engineering, Construction Management or equivalent technical field
- Minimum 3 years of cost estimating experience for custom industrial machinery and equipment
- Minimum 3 years’ experience reviewing, interpreting & understanding manufacturing drawings and BOMs
- Experience and technical knowledge of industrial manufacturing processes and environment
