We're Hiring!

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Kelton Manufacturing Corporation provides custom fabrication solutions for specialized manufacturing and industrial applications.

Our approach emphasizes:

• practical engineering
• precision fabrication
• collaborative problem solving
• long-term manufacturing      partnerships

Contract estimators working with Kelton Manufacturing serve as a professional extension of the company when interacting with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors and are expected to represent the company with professionalism and integrity.

The selected contractor will assist Kelton Manufacturing by reviewing Requests for Quote (RFQs) and preparing cost estimates for custom fabrication projects.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Reviewing engineering drawings and fabrication specifications
• Developing material take-offs and Bills of Materials (BOM)
• Estimating fabrication labor and manufacturing processes
• Identifying required outside processing (machining, forming, finishing, etc.)
• Soliciting pricing from multiple suppliers and subcontractors
• Preparing detailed cost estimates for internal quote review

*All estimates prepared by the contractor will be reviewed internally before final pricing and submission to customers.

**Contractors with industry relationships may also contribute to business development efforts by sourcing new RFQs.

Key Responsibilities

RFQ Review & Cost Analysis

• Evaluate fabrication drawings      and specifications to determine manufacturing requirements
• Identify fabrication      challenges and cost drivers early in the quoting process
• Prepare accurate cost      estimates for fabrication projects

BOM Development & Labor Estimating

• Develop material take-offs and      detailed BOM spreadsheets
• Estimate labor requirements      for fabrication, welding, assembly, and secondary operations
• Evaluate manufacturability and      recommend cost-effective fabrication approaches when appropriate

Documentation & Internal Collaboration

• Maintain organized estimating      spreadsheets and supporting documentation
• Collaborate with company      leadership to review assumptions and finalize quote strategy
• Support continuous improvement      in estimating accuracy

Candidate Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have experience with:

• Metal fabrication estimating      or manufacturing cost analysis
• Reading and interpreting      engineering drawings and fabrication prints
• Fabrication processes such as      cutting, forming, welding, machining, and finishing
• Vendor sourcing and      subcontract coordination
• Preparing BOMs and cost      breakdown spreadsheets for manufacturing quotes

Candidates should also demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and      numerical skills
• High attention to detail and      organizational ability
• Clear written and verbal      communication
• Ability to work independently      while collaborating with technical teams

Experience in sheet metal fabrication, welded assemblies, or custom fabrication environments is strongly preferred.

Software & Tools

Preferred candidates will have experience with:

• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word,      Outlook)
• Reviewing CAD drawings or 3D      models using viewer software

Quote Volume Expectations

Current RFQ activity averages approximately:

2–3 quoting opportunities every 3 months

*Candidates with strong industry relationships or sales capability may significantly increase quote volume by generating additional opportunities.

Compensation Overview

Kelton Manufacturing utilizes a performance-based hybrid compensation model designed to reward both accurate estimating and successful project awards.

Key elements include:

• Tier-based compensation aligned with project complexity
• Hybrid estimating fee plus award-based bonus options
• Additional incentives for sourced opportunities

Full details of the compensation structure are discussed during the interview process.

Candidate Evaluation

Selected candidates will participate in a brief estimating evaluation process to review and estimate historical RFQs to evaluate:

• estimation methodology
• cost assumptions
• completeness of quote      preparation
• utilization of resources

How to Express Interest

Interested candidates should submit a brief summary of:

• estimating experience
• fabrication processes      previously quoted
• industries supported
• availability for contract      estimating work

Qualified candidates will be invited to schedule a brief introductory call to discuss the role and compensation structure. Submit your application + cover letter using this form and someone from our team will reach out if you qualify for a follow-up interview.