Project Estimator - Industrial Fabrication
11 hours ago
Houston
For over 25 years, Tech Fab has delivered complex fabrication and modular equipment solutions to the industrial market, including oil & gas, refining, data centers, and emerging energy sectors. We specialize in pressure vessels, process modules, structural systems, and fully integrated fabricated packages. At Tech Fab, we don’t just price work, we define it. Our estimating team plays a critical role in setting projects up for success by building accurate, thoughtful estimates and delivering clear, well-structured proposals that align our team and our clients from day one. We are seeking a high-performing Estimator who can take ownership of both complex estimate development and professional proposal execution. POSITION OVERVIEW----------- This role is responsible for developing detailed, accurate cost estimates for complex fabrication projects and producing clear, complete proposals that define scope, inclusions, exclusions, and commercial terms. The ideal candidate is both analytical and communicative—someone who can dive deep into drawings, specifications, and costs, while also stepping back to clearly articulate what Tech Fab is delivering and how. DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES----------- Estimating & Technical Scope Development • Review drawings, specifications, and bid packages to develop complete project understanding, • Prepare detailed cost estimates for:, • Pressure vessels (ASME), • Structural steel systems, • Modular equipment and process modules (skids, integrated systems), • Piping systems and interconnecting racks, • Perform material takeoffs, labor calculations, and production planning assumptions, • Identify risk, gaps, and scope ambiguities early in the bid process, • Coordinate with engineering, operations, and project management for input on execution strategy, • Lead the full proposal development process, not just the estimate, • Clearly define:, • Scope of work, • Inclusions, • Exclusions, • Assumptions, • Clarifications, • Ensure proposals are clean, organized, and easy for clients to understand, • Align proposal language with internal execution capabilities and constraints, • Work closely with leadership to finalize pricing strategy and commercial positioning, • Participate in client discussions, bid reviews, and scope clarifications, • Support project handoff and kickoff to ensure alignment between estimating and execution, • Assist with change order pricing and scope adjustments as needed, • Maintain strong relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams, • Conduct research on labor, materials, and market conditions as needed REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS----------- Experience • 5+ years experience in estimating for a shop fabrication company (industrial), • Proven experience estimating complex, multi-discipline fabrication projects, • Experience in modular fabrication, pressure vessels, piping, and structural steel strongly preferred, • Strong knowledge of downstream and midstream process equipment, • Basic knowledge of upstream equipment Technical Skills • Strong ability to read and interpret Fabrication drawings, P&IDs, Isometrics, Structural drawings and specifications, • Working knowledge of ASME Section VIII Div. 1, ASME B31 codes (1, 3, 4, 8), AISC and AWS standards, • Familiarity with fabrication methods, sequencing, and shop capabilities, • Experience with Compress (or similar) is a plus Proposal & Communication Strength • Exceptional written communication skills, • Ability to translate complex technical scopes into clear, structured proposals, • Strong attention to detail in defining scope boundaries, • Ability to eliminate ambiguity and set clear expectations with clients General Skills • Highly organized with strong time management (managing multiple bids simultaneously), • Proficient in Excel, Word, and Outlook, • Self-motivated, accountable, and team-oriented, • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment WHAT SETS THIS ROLE APART----------- • You are not just “building numbers” - you are helping our team define the project, • Direct impact on project success, profitability, and client relationships, • Exposure to large-scale, complex fabrication projects (from $50K up to $50MM+), • Opportunity to work closely with leadership on strategy and execution WHY TECH FAB----------- • Family-owned, high-performance team that takes pride in doing things the right way; technically, operationally, and relationally, • We value people who take ownership, think critically, and communicate clearly, • A role where your work directly impacts real projects you can see come to life in the shop and field