Openwork, formerly Meador Staffing Services

Overview

We are assisting a client in sourcing for an experienced Project Estimator with a strong background in industrial construction, welding, and fabrication projects to join a well-established manufacturing organization in the East Houston area. The primary focus of this position is accurately estimating the labor hours required to complete welding and fabrication projects.

Responsibilities

• Analyze industrial fabrication projects to accurately determine the number of welding and fabrication labor hours required for completion.
• Review blueprints, fabrication drawings, specifications, and project requirements to develop detailed labor-hour estimates.
• Evaluate weld quantities, weld types, material thicknesses, fabrication complexity, and production methods to establish realistic labor requirements.
• Estimate labor hours for welding, fitting, cutting, machining, assembly, inspection, and related fabrication activities.
• Determine anticipated production times, manpower requirements, and equipment utilization.
• Apply knowledge of industrial construction and fabrication processes to ensure accurate and competitive project estimates.
• Review historical project data, labor productivity, and actual project performance to improve estimating accuracy.
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project expenses.
• Perform detailed material takeoffs and quantity calculations.
• Review supplier quotations, material pricing, and manufacturing requirements.
• Identify potential project risks, scope gaps, and cost considerations.
• Prepare detailed estimates and pricing recommendations to support competitive project bids.
• Evaluate engineering or design changes and determine their impact on labor hours and overall project costs.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Sales, Purchasing, and Project Management to validate project estimates.
• Work closely with fabrication and welding teams to understand production capabilities and labor requirements.
• Participate in project reviews, bid evaluations, and estimating discussions.
• Support project handoffs following contract awards.
• Compare estimated versus actual project costs and labor hours to identify opportunities for improvement.

Requirements

• Must have direct project estimating experience involving welding and industrial fabrication projects.
• Must be able to accurately calculate the welding and fabrication labor hours required to complete a project.
• Strong background in industrial construction, structural steel fabrication, pipe fabrication, or related heavy industrial manufacturing environments.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant estimating, fabrication, or industrial project experience.
• Strong understanding of welding processes, fabrication methods, labor productivity, and manufacturing operations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, fabrication prints, and technical specifications.
• Experience preparing detailed labor estimates, material takeoffs, and project cost analyses.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet project bid deadlines.

Additional Information

• Location: East Houston Area, TX
• Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
• Salary: $80's to $127K