Fabrication Estimator TST Fab & Machine, LLC. | Norfolk, Virginia Salary: $65,000+ annually, based on experience and qualifications Employment Type: Full-Time Work Location: On-site – Norfolk, VA
Work Schedule:
- Monday – Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Join Our Team! TST Fab & Machine, LLC. is seeking an experienced Fabrication Estimator to join our manufacturing and pre-production team in Norfolk, Virginia. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in metal fabrication, machining, manufacturing processes, and cost estimation. This individual will be responsible for reviewing customer requirements, interpreting technical drawings, evaluating manufacturing processes, and developing accurate, competitive cost estimates for fabricated components. We are looking for a knowledgeable, detail-oriented professional who understands the complexities of manufacturing and can effectively collaborate with production, purchasing, quality control, and leadership to support successful project execution. Why Work at TST Fab & Machine? We value our employees and are committed to providing competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
Our benefits include:
- Starting salary of $65,000+, based on experience
- 100% employer-paid employee-only medical insurance
- Family medical, dental, and vision coverage options
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions
- Company-paid life insurance and disability benefits
- Paid holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Employee referral bonuses of up to $1,000
- Opportunities for career advancement and professional development
- Supportive, team-oriented manufacturing environment
Key Responsibilities
Cost Estimating and Project Analysis
- Independently review and analyze customer requests for quotations (RFQs), engineering drawings, blueprints, technical specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
- Develop detailed and accurate cost estimates for metal fabrication, machining, welding, finishing, assemblies, and related manufacturing projects.
- Determine material quantities, labor hours, production processes, tooling requirements, and outside services necessary to complete projects.
- Calculate estimated manufacturing costs while considering material pricing, labor, overhead, production efficiency, and profitability.
- Evaluate manufacturing feasibility, potential risks, and cost-saving opportunities.
- Prepare competitive quotations that align with customer requirements and company objectives.
- Maintain accurate estimating records, historical pricing data, and supporting documentation.
Manufacturing and Technical Expertise
- Interpret complex engineering drawings, tolerances, material specifications, and manufacturing instructions.
- Apply practical knowledge of fabrication and machining processes to determine efficient production methods.
- Evaluate manufacturing requirements involving cutting, forming, welding, machining, finishing, and assembly.
- Identify potential production challenges, material limitations, and technical concerns that may affect cost or delivery.
- Coordinate with production and quality control personnel to ensure estimates reflect actual manufacturing capabilities and customer specifications.
Collaboration and Customer Support
- Work closely with production management, purchasing, quality control, and pre-production teams to develop accurate estimates.
- Obtain material pricing and outside processing quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
- Communicate with customers, including government and commercial customers, to clarify project requirements and technical specifications.
- Support pricing discussions, quotation revisions, and project planning as needed.
- Ensure timely completion and submission of customer quotations.
Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy, cost efficiency, and overall profitability.
- Maintain and improve estimating tools, pricing databases, and cost-tracking procedures.
- Review completed project costs against original estimates to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives throughout the estimating and manufacturing process.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Previous professional experience in manufacturing estimating, preferably within a metal fabrication, machining, or industrial manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to independently prepare accurate and detailed manufacturing cost estimates.
- Strong understanding of fabrication, welding, machining, and related production processes.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, tolerances, and technical specifications.
- Knowledge of material costs, labor calculations, production timelines, and outside processing requirements.
- Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other standard business applications.
- Experience working with estimating software, ERP systems, or related manufacturing applications.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with production teams, suppliers, and customers.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates, prioritize deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and accountability.
- Reliable transportation and consistent attendance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Business, or a related technical field.
- Experience estimating complex metal fabrication and precision machining projects.
- Experience with government, military, or defense-related manufacturing projects.
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM software and manufacturing planning systems.
- Experience identifying cost-saving opportunities and improving estimating procedures.
Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, and relevant industry experience will be considered. Physical and Work Environment Requirements
- Sitting: Approximately 90% of the workday.
- Walking/Standing: Approximately 10% of the workday.
- Lifting: Occasional lifting of items weighing up to 15 pounds.
- Ability to work in an office environment with occasional visits to active manufacturing areas.
- Compliance with all applicable workplace safety requirements, including required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Our Core Values – S.A.G.A. At TST Fab & Machine, our employees demonstrate our core values every day:
- Safety First: Prioritize safety in every task and decision.
- Accountability: Take ownership of responsibilities, actions, and results.
- Good to Great: Continuously strive for improvement, efficiency, and excellence.
- All In: Work collaboratively and contribute to the success of our team and customers.
Equal Employment Opportunity TST Fab & Machine, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Apply Today! If you are an experienced Fabrication Estimator with a strong manufacturing background and a commitment to accuracy, quality, and continuous improvement, we encourage you to apply and become part of the TST Fab & Machine team.
Bring your expertise. Grow your career. Be part of TST Fab & Machine!