Estimator Jobs in Minnesota

***THIS IS AN ON-SITE ONLY POSITION***

ABOUT US

HSI Manufacturing is a family-owned and operated business based in Buffalo, MN. Our 75,000 square ft. facility houses over 150 types of equipment, specializing in short- to medium-run metal fabrication of precision parts. We are passionate about our team of quality people making quality parts. We make sure that our parts—whether stamped, machined, or welded - meet all industry standards for accuracy and quality. We view each employee as a valuable member of our team, and we take a great interest in your work and your success.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Estimator is a key role at HSI Manufacturing and will work directly with Inside Sales, Design, and Production in addition to being a voice for HSI, solving customers’ needs. The ideal candidate will know many facets of metal fabrication with an emphasis on sheet metal, metal stampings, CNC Machining, Swiss Machining, Laser, and Welding industries. The ability to communicate professionally and organize multiple deadlines will be key to being successful at HSI Manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Estimating & Quoting — Primary Responsibility

• Independently review and interpret customer blueprints, technical drawings, specifications, and related documentation.
• Evaluate manufacturing requirements, including materials, tolerances, finishes, production processes, and quantities.
• Determine appropriate manufacturing methods, equipment, tooling, and production sequences.
• Develop detailed, accurate cost estimates incorporating material, labor, machine time, tooling, setup, outside processing, packaging, and other applicable expenses.
• Identify opportunities for cost-effective manufacturing methods while maintaining quality and customer requirements.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier pricing for raw materials, outside processing, and secondary operations.
• Evaluate tooling requirements, including costs, production feasibility, and anticipated usage.
• Prepare complete, professional customer quotations with accurate pricing, lead times, and clearly defined terms.
• Ensure quotations meet company profitability objectives, pricing guidelines, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies, missing information, or technical questions before finalizing estimates.
• Maintain organized and accurate estimating documentation, calculations, and quotation records.
• Manage multiple RFQs simultaneously while consistently meeting established deadlines.
• Review estimating results and completed-job profitability to identify opportunities for improved accuracy and competitiveness.

Customer Communication & Quote Follow-Up

• Communicate directly with customers to clarify specifications, requirements, and project expectations.
• Respond promptly and professionally to customer inquiries regarding quotations, pricing, capabilities, and lead times.
• Follow up on outstanding quotations to obtain customer feedback, answer questions, and improve quote conversion.
• Support existing customers with new projects, engineering changes, repricing requests, and repeat business opportunities.
• Build and maintain positive, professional customer relationships through consistent communication and responsiveness.
• Maintain accurate customer correspondence and quotation activity records.

Internal Coordination & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with engineering, production, purchasing, and management to verify manufacturing methods, material availability, tooling, capacity, and lead times.
• Identify potential manufacturing challenges and recommend practical solutions before submitting quotations.
• Effectively communicate project requirements and expectations to internal departments.
• Support improvements in estimating procedures, pricing accuracy, efficiency, and profitability.
• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities, follow through on commitments, and proactively communicate issues requiring attention.

Required Qualifications

• Proven manufacturing estimating experience, preferably in metal fabrication or metal stamping.
• Demonstrated proficiency in independently reading and interpreting manufacturing blueprints and technical drawings.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, production methods, and associated costs.
• Experience developing accurate manufacturing quotations, including material, labor, tooling, and outside processing costs.
• Ability to recognize manufacturing requirements, tolerances, and potential production challenges from technical documentation.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to independently manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Dependability, initiative, accountability, and a commitment to producing quality work.

Candidates must possess the technical knowledge and blueprint interpretation skills necessary to perform manufacturing estimating responsibilities independently. This is not an entry-level estimating position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with sheet metal fabrication, metal stamping, laser cutting, CNC machining, welding, and related manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerances, and material specifications.
• Familiarity with estimating software, ERP systems, and manufacturing cost analysis.
• Experience working directly with customers on technical quotations and project requirements.
• Experience evaluating manufacturing profitability, estimating accuracy, and quotation success rates.
• Familiarity with CAD software and manufacturing drawings.
• Previous experience in an ISO-certified or quality-focused manufacturing environment.

Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person