ESTIMATOR JOB COSTING SPECIALIST at Techcrane International LLC – Covington, Louisiana

Job Purpose: The Estimator / Job Costing Specialist supports the Engineering, Production, Quality, and Purchasing teams by generating accurate job cost estimates, building jobs in the M1 ERP system, and preparing all documentation needed for material procurement and project planning. This role analyzes job requirements, identifies components and consumables, verifies inventory levels, structures routings and assemblies in the ERP, and prepares RFQ packets for Purchasing to finalize and distribute to approved vendors.

This position is essential to ensuring accurate project costing, improving workflow visibility, and maintaining alignment with Techcrane’s project lifecycle and QMS requirements. The Estimator / Job Costing Specialist ensures all materials, operations, and processes are correctly planned, costed, and traceable so that each project is executed efficiently, within budget, and in compliance with Techcrane’s quality standards.

Essential Functions

Cost Estimation & Analysis

• Track and improve cost-to-budget accuracy for projects and part sales.
• Evaluate engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications.
• Develop total project cost estimates including materials, labor, consumables, machining, coatings, and outside services.
• Compare estimates against historical data and vendor pricing trends.
• Identify cost drivers, risks, long-lead items, and sourcing constraints.

ERP Job Structure Creation (M1)

• Build complete job routings and operational sequences.
• Structure assemblies and subassemblies in accordance with engineering requirements.
• Assign labor times, machining steps, NDE requirements, weld operations, paint/coating steps, and inspection points.
• Ensure router accuracy and documentation compliance with Techcrane’s QMS and API Q1 traceability requirements.

Material Verification & RFQ Preparation

• Verify on-hand inventory and determine required purchased items.
• Identify material traceability requirements (MTRs, CoCs, weld consumables certification, etc.).
• Prepare complete RFQ packets for Purchasing including drawings, specifications, quantity requirements, and certification needs.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with Engineering to resolve BOM or drawing discrepancies.
• Coordinate with QC to confirm inspection steps, hold points, and documentation needs.
• Support Production with router accuracy and material planning.
• Submit complete and accurate RFQ packets to Purchasing for distribution to approved suppliers.

Qualifications – Required

• Strong estimating fundamentals and understanding of cost drivers.
• Ability to break down complex builds into structured operations and assemblies.
• High accuracy, strong documentation discipline, and attention to detail.
• Solid math, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional communication.
• Ability to learn and navigate modern ERP systems (M1 experience is a plus).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines

Qualifications – Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial/Mechanical Technology, Business Operations, Fabrication Management, or a related field.
• Experience in job costing, fabrication estimating, machining estimating, construction/industrial estimating, project controls, or production planning.
• Experience with procurement processes, RFQs, or supplier coordination.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as welding, machining, coatings, NDE, and assembly

Work Environment

This position involves work in both office and industrial shop environments. The employee must be able to sit/stand for extended periods, walk through production areas, bend, kneel, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. Work areas may involve loud noise, welding activity, moving equipment, heat/cold, and standard industrial hazards. PPE is required in shop areas. Typical workweek: 40–50 hours