Manufacturing Estimator

Manufacturing Estimator (Mechanical Engineering Background)

📍 Location: Dorset Dorset
💷 Salary: £36,000 - £40,000 (depending on experience)
🏭 Sector: Precision Manufacturing / Engineering

About the Business

I am currently supporting a well-established but forward-thinking manufacturing business based in Dorset in the search for a Manufacturing Estimator. The business combines a strong family-oriented culture with ambitious plans for growth and continued technical development.

They take pride in delivering high-quality engineered components and solutions to a wide and varied customer base. As they continue to expand, they are investing in strengthening their engineering and commercial capability-particularly within estimating and manufacturing planning.

The environment is hands-on and supportive, with a strong emphasis on developing people internally and providing long-term progression opportunities.

The Role

I am looking to speak with a Manufacturing Estimator with a background in mechanical engineering or manufacturing to join the engineering team.

This could be a development-focused position, suited to someone early in their career-such as a mechanical apprentice or engineering graduate-who is keen to build strong commercial awareness alongside technical manufacturing understanding, under the guidance of an experienced Production Engineering Manager. Or this could be a seasoned estimator looking for their next steps.

The main purpose of the role is to interpret customer requirements and convert them into accurate manufacturing costings, routings, and quotations.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret customer drawings and technical specifications
• Break down designs into manufacturing operations and process steps
• Determine material requirements and calculate labour content
• Produce accurate and competitive cost estimates and quotations
• Create and maintain factory routings within internal systems
• Liaise with engineering and production teams to ensure manufacturability and accuracy
• Support continuous improvement in estimating methods and cost accuracy
• Develop a strong understanding of machining, fabrication, and assembly processes

About You

The ideal candidate will be:

• From a mechanical engineering or manufacturing background (apprenticeship or degree level)
• Confident reading technical drawings and engineering specifications
• Numerate, analytical, and highly detail-oriented
• Interested in how products are manufactured rather than just designed
• Eager to learn commercial estimating and costing principles
• A team player who will thrive in a close-knit, supportive environment

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience using CAD software such as SOLIDWORKS
• Exposure to machining, fabrication, or sheet metal environments
• Basic understanding of manufacturing costing or production planning

Why This Opportunity?

• A stable and supportive family-feel working environment
• The chance to join an ambitious and growing manufacturing business
• Direct mentorship from experienced engineering leadership
• A hands-on role with real exposure to manufacturing decision-making

Please get in touch for a chat (phone number removed) or email me at