Job Title: Estimator – Tool & Die Manufacturing

Salary: $70,000 – $80,000 per year

Bonus: Annual Christmas Bonus

Schedule: Day Shift | Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

We are seeking an experienced Estimator to join a well-established tool and die manufacturing job shop that specializes in precision tooling, molds, fixtures, and dies used in metal and thermoforming production. This is a key role within the organization, responsible for developing accurate project estimates and supporting the sales and engineering teams in preparing competitive quotes for customers.

This position is open due to a retirement, and the outgoing estimator is currently working with the team to ensure a smooth transition and knowledge transfer. The estimator will collaborate closely with engineering, sales, and manufacturing teams to determine the cost, materials, labor, and production requirements for custom tooling projects.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a stable, family-owned manufacturing company where many employees have built long-term careers.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates and quotes for custom tooling, molds, fixtures, and dies.
• Review RFQs, drawings, and project specifications to determine scope, materials, labor, and production requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, sales, and design teams to gather project requirements such as durability, material specifications, and operating conditions.
• Calculate costs related to: Raw materials (steel, specialty metals, etc.), Labor and machining time, Outsourced processes or third-party services, Shipping and logistics
• Develop detailed proposals and pricing structures for customers.
• Maintain documentation including BOMs (Bill of Materials), cost breakdowns, and pricing data.
• Evaluate project timelines and production requirements to ensure estimates align with manufacturing capabilities.
• Track projects and adjust estimates when production costs or timelines change.
• Support the sales and engineering teams by ensuring quotes are competitive and technically accurate.

Products & Projects May Include

• Tool and die components
• Thermoforming molds
• Foil dies
• Tooling fixtures
• Chucks and collets
• Precision tooling used on press machines and CNC equipment
• Custom tooling for sheet metal production

Required Qualifications

• Experience in estimating or cost analysis within a manufacturing or machine shop environment
• Strong understanding of tooling, fixtures, dies, or metal manufacturing processes
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings
• Familiarity with Bill of Materials (BOMs) and manufacturing cost breakdowns
• Experience evaluating materials, machining time, labor, and production costs
• Strong collaboration skills with engineering, sales, and production teams

Preferred Experience

• Experience in tool and die, mold making, or machining environments
• Knowledge of steel materials and tooling applications
• Exposure to CNC machining, thermoforming molds, or stamping dies
• Experience using 3D models or CAD drawings during quoting processes