Engineering Estimator

SALAMANDER DESIGNS LTD

Engineering Estimator

Bloomfield, CT
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Benefits:

    401(k)

    401(k) matching

    Health insurance

    Paid time off

    Salamander Designs is seeking a detail-oriented, execution-focused Engineering Estimator to support both new product development costing and customer quoting across the company's full product line. Salamander has been a market leader in the AV furniture and mounting solutions industry for 35 years, serving both B2B (commercial AV integrators, dealers, architects, and enterprise clients) and B2C (premium residential consumers) channels.

    The Engineering Estimator works at the intersection of engineering and operations, responsible for developing accurate cost estimates across custom products, standard product lines, and manufacturing processes. This role requires close collaboration with the engineering team to translate design intent into detailed, competitive quotes and production cost analyses. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable reading technical drawings and working within a fast-paced manufacturing environment with rapidly changing priorities and deadlines.

    Duties and Responsibilities

    Prepare detailed cost estimates for custom product requests, standard products, and project-based bids

    Work directly with engineers to review designs, drawings, and BOMs to develop accurate material and labor cost models

    Analyze manufacturing processes to identify cost drivers and opportunities for efficiency

    Obtain and evaluate vendor and supplier quotes for materials, components, and outside services

    Improve and maintain estimating procedures, templates, pricing databases, and cost libraries

    Support the engineering team during the design phase to provide cost input and design-to-cost guidance

    Collaborate with production and purchasing to validate cost assumptions against actual manufacturing data

    Prepare clear, organized estimate summaries and quote documentation for internal and customer-facing use

    Track estimate accuracy over time and refine models based on actual production outcomes

    Assist with special projects and cost studies related to new product development and continuous improvement initiatives

    Qualifications

    Required:

    Experience in estimating, cost analysis, or a related role within a manufacturing environment

    Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical specifications

    Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general spreadsheet-based cost modeling

    Solid understanding of manufacturing processes including materials, labor, and overhead costing

    High attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skills

    Effective written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration

    Preferred:

    Experience with ERP systems; NetSuite familiarity a plus

    Drafting and/or 3D CAD (SolidWorks) experience or interest

    Background in furniture, cabinetry, sheet metal, or custom manufactured products

    Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles