Product Cost Estimator
Automation Displays, Eau Claire, WI, United States
Position Overview
The Product Cost Estimator plays a critical role in ADi’s profitability and operational success by accurately determining the true cost of custom products while ensuring defined margin targets are met. This role bridges engineering, sales, procurement, and manufacturing by translating project requirements into reliable, repeatable, and margin‑protected pricing. This is not a quoting‑only role—it is a cost ownership role with direct influence on pricing strategy, risk management, and continuous improvement.
Cost Estimation & Margin Management
Develop detailed cost estimates for custom and standardized control panels, enclosures, and integrated systems based on drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
Apply defined margin targets consistently and identify risks that could erode margin.
Evaluate labor, materials, components, freight, and overhead to determine true product cost.
Identify cost drivers and recommend alternatives when pricing or margin targets are at risk.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, and Manufacturing to validate assumptions and resolve scope gaps.
Support Sales with pricing rationale, cost breakdowns, and margin explanations as needed.
Collaborate with Purchasing on supplier pricing, lead times, and cost trends.
Process & Data Integrity
Maintain accurate and consistent estimating tools, templates, and cost models.
Track estimated vs. actual costs and identify variances for continuous improvement.
Support standardization of estimating practices as ADi grows and scales.
Risk Awareness & Decision Support
Flag scope ambiguity, unusual requirements, or high‑risk elements early in the quoting process.
Assist leadership in pricing decisions for complex or strategic opportunities.
Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing margin and predictability.
Required Qualifications
Experience in estimating, costing, or pricing within a manufacturing or engineered‑to‑order environment.
Strong analytical and mathematical skills with high attention to detail.
Ability to interpret drawings, BOMs, and technical specifications.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office tools.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with custom electrical control panels, automation systems, or industrial equipment.
Familiarity with labor routing, manufacturing workflows, and supplier negotiations.
Experience tracking cost variance and supporting margin improvement initiatives.
Educational & Professional Requirements
3+ years Manufacturing Costing or Engineering (preferred electrical manufacturing experience).
Proven experience in reading and interpreting plans, specifications, and building codes.
Preferred: Associate or bachelor's degree in electrical, engineering, business, accounting or finance. Acceptable is having equivalent years of experience directly in manufacturing or electrical cost estimation.
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The Product Cost Estimator plays a critical role in ADi’s profitability and operational success by accurately determining the true cost of custom products while ensuring defined margin targets are met. This role bridges engineering, sales, procurement, and manufacturing by translating project requirements into reliable, repeatable, and margin‑protected pricing. This is not a quoting‑only role—it is a cost ownership role with direct influence on pricing strategy, risk management, and continuous improvement.
Cost Estimation & Margin Management
Develop detailed cost estimates for custom and standardized control panels, enclosures, and integrated systems based on drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
Apply defined margin targets consistently and identify risks that could erode margin.
Evaluate labor, materials, components, freight, and overhead to determine true product cost.
Identify cost drivers and recommend alternatives when pricing or margin targets are at risk.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, and Manufacturing to validate assumptions and resolve scope gaps.
Support Sales with pricing rationale, cost breakdowns, and margin explanations as needed.
Collaborate with Purchasing on supplier pricing, lead times, and cost trends.
Process & Data Integrity
Maintain accurate and consistent estimating tools, templates, and cost models.
Track estimated vs. actual costs and identify variances for continuous improvement.
Support standardization of estimating practices as ADi grows and scales.
Risk Awareness & Decision Support
Flag scope ambiguity, unusual requirements, or high‑risk elements early in the quoting process.
Assist leadership in pricing decisions for complex or strategic opportunities.
Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing margin and predictability.
Required Qualifications
Experience in estimating, costing, or pricing within a manufacturing or engineered‑to‑order environment.
Strong analytical and mathematical skills with high attention to detail.
Ability to interpret drawings, BOMs, and technical specifications.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office tools.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with custom electrical control panels, automation systems, or industrial equipment.
Familiarity with labor routing, manufacturing workflows, and supplier negotiations.
Experience tracking cost variance and supporting margin improvement initiatives.
Educational & Professional Requirements
3+ years Manufacturing Costing or Engineering (preferred electrical manufacturing experience).
Proven experience in reading and interpreting plans, specifications, and building codes.
Preferred: Associate or bachelor's degree in electrical, engineering, business, accounting or finance. Acceptable is having equivalent years of experience directly in manufacturing or electrical cost estimation.
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