Project Estimator

Functional Focus

Project Estimator serves as tactical leader with the purpose of producing high quality cost estimates for Hayward Tyler and Energy Steel products/services. Primary responsibility is generating cost estimates for Engineered Projects and Services which are highly mechanical in nature and including welding and machining as a high percentage of content. Additional responsibilities are providing technical support in a broad range of areas including process improvement, sales support for customer presentations and development of supply chain vendor candidates.

Job Description and Duties

Hayward Tyler is seeking a Project Estimator with a strong background in precision machining and metal fabrication to support quoting and cost estimation for complex components and assemblies used in Nuclear Energy, U.S. Navy and other defense programs. The Project Estimator will analyze technical drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to develop accurate cost estimates, labor hours, material requirements, and manufacturing plans. Experience with defense contracting requirements, tight tolerances, and regulated quality systems is highly preferred.

This position requires an individual with initiative, an interest in learning, and a flexible approach to respond to a wide variety of assignments and shifting priorities. Performance of these duties requires close collaboration with Sales, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to estimate cost and lead time and produce high-value solutions for our customers.

Responsibilities include

• Review RFQs, technical drawings, specifications, and customer requirements for machining and fabrication work.
• Develop accurate cost estimates including labor, materials, outside processing, tooling, and overhead.
• Evaluate manufacturability of parts and assemblies including CNC machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and complex assemblies.
• Prepare detailed cost breakdowns and proposals for submission to customers.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and purchasing teams to ensure estimates reflect current manufacturing capabilities and supplier costs.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, alternate manufacturing methods, and process improvements.
• Maintain estimating databases including standard labor times, material costs, and supplier pricing.
• Support negotiations and technical clarifications with customers when required.
• Ensure compliance with defense and naval program requirements, including documentation and traceability.
• Assist with post-award cost tracking and estimate validation to improve future quoting accuracy.

Minimum qualifications

• Due to federal contract requirements, U.S. citizenship is required.
• 5+ years of estimating experience in machining, fabrication, or metal manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining, welding processes, fabrication, and assembly methods.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Experience estimating work for tight tolerance, high-reliability components.
• Basic PC skills, including experience using MS Word, Excel or equivalent.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (EPICOR preferred).
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple RFQs and deadlines simultaneously.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Expected travel is less than 5% yearly

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Navy, shipbuilding, submarine, or defense manufacturing programs.
• Familiarity with MIL-SPEC standards, NAVSEA requirements, or DoD contracting environments.
• Knowledge of materials commonly used in defense manufacturing (e.g., stainless steels, nickel alloys, titanium, aluminum).
• Experience with NQA-1, AS9100, ISO 9001, or other regulated quality systems.
• Background in machining engineering, manufacturing engineering, or production planning.