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 :

Education and Experience :

Physical Job Requirements :

Benefits

Compensation : $65,000 - $75,000 annually

Due to ITAR regulations, only U.S. persons—defined as U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and U.S. nationals—are eligible for this position.