Estimator

Position Summary

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for custom fabrication, experiential, trade show, event, retail, and exhibit projects. This position analyzes project drawings, specifications, production requirements, materials, labor, subcontractor costs, installation requirements, and project timelines to determine the overall cost of completing a project.

The Estimator works closely with Sales, Project Management, Creative, Purchasing, and Production departments to develop pricing that is accurate, complete, competitive, and aligned with ID3's production capabilities and profitability goals.

While this job description may not include every responsibility associated with the position, it provides an outline of the primary duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the role. All Exploring companies are customer-service driven, and employees are expected to demonstrate a professional, responsive, and solutions-focused approach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review project drawings, renderings, blueprints, specifications, scopes of work, and client requirements.

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for custom fabrication and production projects.

• Identify and quantify project cost factors, including:

• Materials

• Production labor

• Engineering and detailing

• Carpentry and cabinetry

• Metal fabrication

• Scenic and finishing work

• Electrical and low-voltage components

• Graphics and signage

• Hardware and purchased components

• Freight, packaging, shipping, and logistics

• Installation and dismantle labor

• Travel, equipment rentals, and subcontractor expenses

• Develop labor-hour projections based on production methods, department capacity, and project complexity.

• Obtain material pricing, subcontractor quotes, freight estimates, and vendor lead times.

• Collaborate with Sales and Account Management to clarify project scope and pricing expectations.

• Partner with Project Managers, Designers, Engineers, Detailers, Purchasing, and Production leaders to validate project assumptions and requirements.

• Identify missing information, unclear specifications, design concerns, and potential scope gaps before pricing is finalized.

• Prepare clear and detailed estimates, proposals, bid summaries, and supporting documentation.

• Maintain accurate estimating records, assumptions, exclusions, qualifications, and revisions.

• Review estimates with leadership before submission when required.

• Participate in project kickoff meetings and turnover meetings to communicate pricing assumptions and project risks.

• Compare estimated costs to actual project costs and identify significant variances.

• Use completed-project data to improve future labor, material, and production estimates.

• Recommend alternative materials, production methods, or design modifications that improve cost-effectiveness without compromising quality or safety.

• Evaluate project profitability, production feasibility, schedule requirements, and operational risk.

• Assist with change-order pricing and revisions to approved project scopes.

• Maintain current knowledge of material pricing, labor rates, production capabilities, vendor resources, and industry trends.

• Meet assigned estimating deadlines and communicate promptly when information or approvals may delay completion.

• Support the Sales team with preliminary budgets, formal bids, and value-engineering recommendations.

• Protect confidential client, pricing, design, and company information.

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong mathematical skills, including arithmetic, percentages, measurements, algebra, and geometry.
• Ability to prepare detailed and accurate cost calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, architectural drawings, fabrication drawings, plans, specifications, and scopes of work.
• Understanding of construction, manufacturing, fabrication, and production processes.
• Knowledge of custom millwork, cabinetry, carpentry, metal fabrication, scenic production, graphics, electrical components, or related trades is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and related business software.
• Strong Excel skills, including formulas, calculations, spreadsheets, and cost-tracking tools.
• Ability to learn and effectively use estimating, project management, ERP, or job-costing software.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and changing priorities simultaneously.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to recognize project risks, missing scope, and inaccurate assumptions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and internal departments.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating across multiple departments.
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer-service mindset with a commitment to accuracy, responsiveness, and teamwork.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Three to five years of estimating experience in construction, manufacturing, custom fabrication, millwork, exhibits, events, or a related industry.
• Experience estimating custom one-of-a-kind fabricated projects is strongly preferred.
• Experience in the trade show, experiential marketing, museum, retail display, entertainment, or custom event industry is a plus.
• Experience with job costing, labor forecasting, purchasing, or production planning is preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Physical Demands

This position is primarily performed in an office environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer. The employee must be able to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, telephone, and other standard office equipment.

The position may occasionally require the employee to:

• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach.
• Visit production departments, warehouses, installation areas, or active job sites.
• Review physical materials, components, and completed products.
• Lift, move, or carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Wear required personal protective equipment while entering production or job-site areas.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

The Estimator will primarily work in an office setting but may regularly enter active manufacturing and production environments. These areas may include exposure to noise, dust, moving equipment, fabrication operations, paints, adhesives, welding activity, and other conditions typically associated with custom manufacturing.

Employees must follow all ID3 safety policies, facility rules, and personal protective equipment requirements.

Performance Expectations

Success in this position will be measured by:

• Accuracy and completeness of estimates.
• Ability to meet bid and proposal deadlines.
• Quality of supporting documentation and estimating assumptions.
• Effectiveness in identifying scope gaps and project risks.
• Estimated-to-actual project cost performance.
• Contribution to project profitability and value engineering.
• Responsiveness to Sales, Project Management, Production, and client needs.
• Ability to collaborate professionally across departments.
• Compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety requirements.