JOB PROFILE – ESTIMATION ENGINEER
Position: Estimation Engineer – Sheet Metal Fabrication
Department: Estimation / Production
Work Location: Umm Al Quwain, UAE
Experience: 4–6 Years
Qualification: Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Job Purpose
We are looking for an experienced Estimation Engineer with strong knowledge of sheet metal fabrication and manufacturing processes. The candidate will be responsible for reviewing customer drawings and RFQs, calculating material and production costs, preparing accurate quotations, and ensuring that estimates are commercially competitive and technically achievable.
Key Responsibilities
- Review customer RFQs, BOQs, 2D drawings, 3D models and technical specifications.
- Read and interpret engineering and fabrication drawings accurately.
- Analyze components and determine the most suitable manufacturing process.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for sheet metal fabrication projects.
- Calculate raw material requirements, material utilization, nesting and scrap percentage.
- Estimate processing costs for:
- CNC Laser Cutting
- CNC Turret Punching
- CNC Press Brake Bending
- Shearing
- Welding and fabrication
- Grinding and finishing
- Powder coating and painting
- Assembly
- Hardware, inserts and fasteners
- Calculate machine processing time based on material, thickness, quantity and component complexity.
- Estimate cutting, punching, bending, welding, assembly and finishing hours.
- Calculate labor costs, machine-hour costs, tooling costs and applicable overheads.
- Obtain material and subcontracting costs from suppliers and maintain updated costing information.
- Prepare detailed cost sheets and commercial quotations.
- Evaluate material alternatives and manufacturing methods to achieve cost-effective solutions.
- Coordinate with Production, Design, Purchasing and Sales teams to verify technical and commercial requirements.
- Identify potential manufacturing difficulties, material wastage and cost risks before submitting quotations.
- Revise estimates based on customer drawing or specification changes.
- Maintain historical costing data and quotation records for future reference.
- Monitor quotation status and support the sales team with technical and costing clarifications.
- Assist management in analyzing cost, selling price, profit margin and quotation competitiveness.
Technical Requirements
The candidate should have good practical knowledge of:
- Sheet metal fabrication and manufacturing processes.
- Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum and other common sheet metal materials.
- CNC laser cutting and nesting.
- CNC turret punching.
- CNC press brake bending.
- Bend allowance, bend deduction and K-factor.
- Welding and fabrication processes.
- Surface treatment, powder coating and painting.
- Material weight and consumption calculations.
- Machine-hour and labor-hour calculations.
- Tooling and consumable cost estimation.
- Scrap and material utilization calculations.
CAD & Software Skills
- Good knowledge of AutoCAD and ability to interpret 2D drawings.
- Ability to understand 3D models is preferred.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including formulas and costing spreadsheets.
- Knowledge of CNC nesting/programming software is an advantage.
- Ability to develop and maintain structured costing sheets.
Qualification
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is mandatory.
Experience
- 4–6 years of relevant experience in estimation/costing within a sheet metal fabrication or manufacturing company.
- Candidates with experience in CNC laser cutting, turret punching, press brake bending and sheet metal fabrication will be preferred.
- Experience in electrical enclosures, industrial cabinets, machine covers, HVAC products or precision sheet metal fabrication will be an advantage.
Required Skills
- Strong numerical and analytical ability.
- Excellent drawing-reading skills.
- High attention to detail and costing accuracy.
- Good understanding of manufacturing processes.
- Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
- Strong coordination and communication skills.
- Ability to handle multiple RFQs and meet quotation deadlines.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of cost versus selling price and profit margin.
- Good problem-solving and cost-optimization ability.
Work Location
Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates
Candidates who can join immediately or within a short notice period in the UAE will be preferred.
