Mechanical Designer/ Estimator

Who We Are

Founded in 1959 by Ed Miller near Chicago, Prince Industries has grown from a one-man shop into a global manufacturing partner. With seven facilities across the U.S. and China, we serve industries from hydraulics to aerospace, handling everything from just-in-time components to high-volume assemblies.

At Prince, we don't just make parts-we solve complex supply chain challenges. We are a strategic partner, focused on helping clients improve products, reduce costs, and simplify operations. Certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100 standards, we combine quality, innovation, and growth-minded thinking to deliver real value.

Job Summary

The Sheet Metal Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates for custom sheet metal fabrication projects. This role requires a deep understanding of fabrication processes, materials, and labor requirements. The estimator will collaborate with engineering, sales, and production teams to ensure competitive and profitable pricing strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review RFQs, drawings, and specs to define project scope and requirements.
• Calculate costs for materials, labor, and outside processes with ERP (Epicor) and Excel calculators.
• Prepare and submit cost estimates and quotations to stakeholders or clients.
• Work with purchasing to get updated material prices and lead times.
• Collaborate with engineering to improve design efficiency and reduce costs.
• Maintain precise records of estimates, assumptions, and historical data for subsequent use.
• Join design reviews and pre-production meetings to confirm cost alignment.
• Monitor developments in sheet metal pricing and advancements in fabrication technologies.
• Evaluates updated customer prints to identify required quote adjustments or impacts on manufacturing.
• Contacts customers to address technical issues.
• Ensures design intent and component quality can be achieved.
• Reviews sourcing of material and suppliers to meet objectives and deadlines.
• Responsible for estimating mixture of low and high-volume sheet metal components and assemblies.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience with SolidWorks and nesting software applications.
• Advanced proficiency in interpreting blueprints and technical drawings, including GD&T and specifications.
• Thorough understanding of material classifications and finishing processes.
• Knowledgeable about various plating and heat treatment methodologies.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Proven ability to multitask and manage concurrent projects efficiently.
• Proficient in computer applications, including MS Office Suite, Adobe products, and email correspondence.
• Experienced in utilizing MRP systems.
• Capable of working independently and proactively taking initiative.
• Exhibits a strong work ethic and maintains high motivation levels.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (or related field of study) or 2 year technical certification with equivalent related engineering or machining experience required.
• Minimum of 3 or more years of previous work experience in engineering or related sheet metal environment.
• Solid background in sheet metal fabrication, equipment, and tooling.

Physical Job Requirements:

• Regularly required to walk or sit the duration of workday, 8-9 hours.
• Frequently required to perform repetitive hand movements when doing computer work.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision in which 20/20 vision or corrected vision to 20/20 vision is required.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts when in the plant.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles resulting from metalworking and oils.
• The noise level in the work environment is sometimes loud when working in the plant, in which hearing protection is required.