Sales Engineer / Estimator at AP Precision Metals Inc – San Diego, California

Sales Engineer – Sheet Metal Fabrication

Location: San Diego, CA (Otay Mesa)
Job Type: Full-Time, In-Office
Department: Sales / Engineering
Reports To: Management Team

About AP Precision Metals, Inc.

AP Precision Metals, Inc. is San Diego’s leading commercial metal fabricator, focusing on simple to complex assemblies. We are a long-term supplier to many of Southern California’s largest OEMs. Founded in 1999, AP Precision has grown consistently for over 25 years through reliable leadership, continuous investment in advanced manufacturing equipment, and a strong focus on employee development.

Our 40,000 sq. ft. South San Diego facility houses state-of-the-art laser cutting, forming, welding, powder coating, and assembly operations. Our organization prioritizes employee development, stability, and sustainable career growth.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Mid-Level Sales Engineer with experience in sheet metal fabrication estimating and customer engagement. This role is ideal for someone who understands manufacturing costs and margins, communicates well with customers, and works collaboratively with internal teams.

This is an in-office position at our factory in South San Diego. The applicant will mostly be working from a dedicated office with occasional travel to customer facilities in San Diego County and limited travel outside the region as needed. The applicant should be comfortable working in a multi-lingual, blue collar, metal fabrication environment where safety is a top priority. There will be regular conference room engineering meeting and on-the-floor meetings, in order to fully understand the processes and costs involved in the parts we make.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Quoting

• Prepare quotes for sheet metal fabrication work including:
  • Laser, Punch and Saw cutting
  • Bending / forming
  • Welding (manual and robotic)
  • Machining / milling
  • Powder coating and finishing
  • Mechanical Assembly
• Quote low-volume prototype jobs through medium- and high-volume production work. 1 pc – 100,000 pc runs.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and models for manufacturability and cost drivers.
• Enter rough routings and estimating data into ECI / JobBOSS / Shoptech ERP.
• Collaborate with management, engineering, and manufacturing leads on pricing strategy and quote review.
• Apply industry knowledge of fabrication costs, labor, and margins to support accurate quoting (final pricing reviewed with management).

Customer Relationships & Business Development

• Serve as a technical and relationship-focused point of contact for customers.
• Communicate clearly and professionally regarding quotes, revisions, lead times, and technical questions.
• Visit customer facilities to support existing relationships and evaluate new opportunities.
• Engage new leads and referrals; this role is not territory-based.
• Represent AP Precision with professionalism, confidence, and attention to detail.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely and regularly with:
  • Company ownership
  • Management
  • Engineering
  • Manufacturing and operations leads
• Provide feedback on recurring design issues, cost drivers, and quoting assumptions.
• Support continuous improvement in estimating and customer engagement processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Mid-level experience (typically 3–7 years) in:
  • Sheet metal fabrication estimating
  • Sales engineering
  • Manufacturing customer support
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes and cost drivers:
  • Cutting, bending, welding, machining, finishing
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems; JobBOSS / ECI / Shoptech experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• ITAR pricing familiarity preferred.
• Highly organized, thorough, and detail-oriented.
• Personable, professional, and comfortable interacting with customers in technical environments.
• Proactive mindset with strong follow-through.

Compensation & Growth

Base Compensation

• Hourly pay: $30–$36 per hour, depending on experience.

Bonus / Incentive Compensation

• Quarterly bonus structure 0.15% of Gross Company Sales
  • Successful management and growth of existing customer accounts
  • New account net revenue

Career Path

This role is expected to grow into a Senior Sales Engineer or Sales / Business Development Manager position as the company expands.

Work Environment

• In-office role at our South San Diego (Otay Mesa) facility.
• Regular shop-floor exposure and collaboration.
• Occasional customer visits, primarily within San Diego County.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• IRA retirement plan
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Long-term growth and training opportunities

How to Apply

Apply online via with a resume highlighting relevant estimating, fabrication, and customer-facing experience.