Cost Estimator

SPIKA DESIGN & MANUFACTURING

Spika specializes in designing and building custom tooling and safety access platforms, partnering with the world’s most innovative companies to solve their toughest challenges. At Spika, we exist to empower people to enjoy the challenge of creating something great.

Our team is made up of people who are excited to:

• Own It: We give our best, keep our promises, and own what we do—good or bad. No excuses, no shortcuts—just solutions. Integrity always.
• Lean In: We stay cool under pressure and thrive on challenges—they push us to think bigger, adapt smarter, and expand what we’re capable of. The unknown doesn’t scare us; it fuels us.
• Be Great Together: Great teams thrive on trust. When we’re honest, humble, and real, we work smarter and stronger together. Aligning our strengths gets us amazing results. 
• Make It Better: We find opportunities for improvement everywhere and tackle the ones that make the biggest difference. Curiosity drives us to ask bold questions, challenge the norm, and make meaningful changes to our products, processes, and ourselves. 
• Build Our Community: We take care of our people—employees, customers, suppliers, and neighbors. By showing up, giving back, and supporting each other, we make a difference where it matters.

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Cost Estimator is responsible for project estimates and ensuring initial project plans are accurate and feasible based on project requirements and Spika capabilities. This role must have a knowledge base in engineering or manufacturing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop accurate cost estimates within required timeframes. Incorporate best practices, including appropriate contingencies, to manage unknowns and risks proactively. Leverage company lessons learned to ensure past mistakes or misassumptions are not repeated. Lead the identification and selection of outsourcing partners, ensuring alignment with Spika’s quality standards, cost expectations, and project requirements. Facilitate efficient collaboration and communication across teams to meet quoting timelines.
• Perform high-level planning of projects with enough detail to accurately estimate and schedule work. Identify and address potential project challenges or unknowns to ensure thoroughness in capturing all assumptions, constraints, compliance, and risks for project planning. Work closely with Sales Project Managers, Project Managers, and Sales Engineers to ensure all project requirements have been met, captured, and are viable in the project plan. Work with internal stakeholders to prepare detailed estimates that account for design, fabrication, testing, and delivery. Anticipate outsourcing needs early and proactively source the best partners to support project success. Perform the final check that the project plan is complete and documented for proposal.
• Establish and maintain systems that refine quote accuracy. Stay ahead of industry trends, material costs, and manufacturing technologies to provide competitive, forward-thinking estimates. Seek cost-saving opportunities through material selection or process alternatives while maintaining the highest standards of quality. Perform routine and recurring updates to key estimating toolsets, rates, programs, and processes to ensure accuracy and validity of estimating practices. 
• Perform other duties necessary to achieve our vision, fulfill our purpose, and live out our values.

BENEFITS

• Seven Paid Holidays: Six standard holidays, plus your birthday.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Take the time you need to recharge, explore, or handle life’s demands.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave: Including maternity and paternity leave.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with fully employer-paid options.
• Financial Protection: Life insurance, plus short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Plan with Employer Match: Invest in your future with our 401(k) match.
• Wellness Perks: Prioritizing your health and well-being.
• Paid Volunteer Time: Give back to the community while on the clock.
• Dog-Friendly Workplace: Because work is better with four-legged friends.
• Stocked Ice Cream Freezer: A little extra joy, whenever you need it.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Analytical Skills
  • Able to structure and process qualitative and quantitative data and draw insightful conclusions, analyze trends, and implement for future forecasting.
  • Able to read and understand complex statements of work as well as contract/compliance requirements.
• Efficiency 
  • Able to produce significant output with minimal wasted effort. 
• Organization and Planning
  • Plans, organizes, schedules, and budgets in an efficient, productive manner; focuses on key priorities and details. 
• Communication
  • Speaks and writes clearly.
• Computer Skills 
  • Ability to proficiently use MS Office suite and accounting software and learn other programs as required. 
  • Interest and ability to learn additional software when necessary or desired. 
• Cost Accounting 
  • Understanding of cost accounting and best practices associated with estimating projects within cost accounting systems. 
• Experience with or ability to learn Spika: 
  • Products
  • Capabilities
  • Sales, Design, and Manufacturing processes.
• Desired but not required experience
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering (or related). 
  • Experience in custom manufacturing estimating. 
  • Experience in custom manufacturing project management.
  • Experience with pricing models and methodologies. 
  • Experience with CAD programs such as SolidWorks. 
  • Experience with process development. 
  • Experience building out software and/or databases.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position works indoors with occasional exposure to moderate-to-loud noise. Travel may be required.