Position Overview:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically savvy Injection Molding Cost Estimator to support quoting, pricing strategy, and business development. This role bridges engineering, tooling, and operations—turning customer RFQs into clear, competitive, and accurate proposals.
As a Cost Estimator in the automotive industry, you will play a critical role in analyzing and forecasting the costs associated with production projects to ensure profitability and competitive pricing. You will be responsible for gathering and interpreting data related to materials, labor, and overhead expenses to develop accurate cost estimates that support strategic decision-making. Your work will directly impact budgeting, project planning, and resource allocation, helping the company optimize operational efficiency and maintain financial health. Collaborating closely with engineering, procurement, and production teams, you will provide insights that influence product and manufacturing processes. Ultimately, your expertise will contribute to the company’s ability to deliver high-quality products on time and within budget, strengthening its market position.
An Injection Molding Estimator analyzes technical drawings, material requirements, and production volumes to calculate costs for tooling, setup, and part production. They determine cycle times, material usage, and machine tonnage to generate accurate quotes, typically requiring knowledge of plastic materials, mold design, and manufacturing processe.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review and analyze RFQs, part files, prints, and customer requirements.
- Estimate complete part cost: material, cycle time, labor, machine time, overhead, and secondary ops.
- Quote mold/tooling costs using internal templates and inputs from tooling team.
- Identify and model different pricing strategies: full tool cost, subsidized tooling, or tooling at cost.
- Work with Sales and Engineering to create compelling proposals and timelines.
- Track historical data and build cost models that improve over time.
- Assist in evaluating "free tool" models based on volume and piece price tradeoffs.
- Collaborate with the software team to help automate cost modeling and quoting workflows.
- Support profitability analysis and pricing revisions as part of commercial negotiations.
- Cost Analysis: Review part drawings (CAD/blueprints) to determine complexity and estimate mold tooling, material, and manufacturing costs.
- Quote Generation: Calculate total per-part costs based on material, machine time, labor, and overhead.
- Technical Evaluation: Determine appropriate machine tonnage, cavitation, and cycle times for production.
- Customer Communication: Liaise with customers regarding project specifications, material options, and potential cost-saving design modifications.
- Software Utilization: Use ERP systems or quoting software to generate, track, and update quotes for new and existing projects.
- Market Research: Maintain knowledge of current material prices and manufacturing labor rates to ensure competitive, accurate pricing.
- Governmental and regulatory requirements, USMCA certs, material certs, SDS data.
Qualifications:
- 2-5 years of cost estimating experience in injection molding, tool & die, or manufacturing.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- Proven experience as a Cost Estimator or in a similar role within the manufacturing industry.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and labor cost structures.
- Proficiency in cost estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
- Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong understanding of Automotive manufacturing cost structures: material, machine rates, overhead, labor
- Familiar with part costing software (e.g., Excel models, aPriori, ProEst, or similar tools)
- Able to read 2D prints and interpret 3D CAD models.
- Excellent Excel/Sheets skills; experience with quoting databases and CRM tools a plus.
- Experience pricing in automotive, consumer goods, or medical molding industries.
- Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of plastic materials, injection molding processes, and mold design.
- Software Proficiency: Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks/AutoCAD) and ERP/quoting tools.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret engineering blueprints and specifications.
- Experience: Previous experience in a molding technician, engineering, or purchasing role.
- Bonus: Exposure to mold design, tooling build, or engineering change quoting
- Bonus: Experience with ERP systems and project management software.