Fabrication & Machining Estimator​/Project Manager

Job Summary

IMI is seeking a full-time Fabrication & Machining Estimator/Project Manager local to the Athens, GA area. The Fabrication & Machining Estimator/Project Manager is responsible for estimating and managing customer projects from quotation through final delivery. This role combines estimating, project management, customer communication, and production coordination to ensure projects are accurately quoted, efficiently executed, delivered on time, and completed profitably. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical knowledge of machining, fabrication, welding, and manufacturing processes, along with excellent organizational and customer service skills.

• Review customer RFQs, engineering drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates for machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, finishing, and outsourced services.
• Calculate material, labor, machine time, setup time, tooling, and subcontractor costs.
• Develop and submit customer quotations within required timelines.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to determine the most efficient manufacturing methods.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value-engineering solutions.
• Maintain estimating databases, labor standards, and costing information.
• Support sales efforts by providing technical and pricing information.
• Assess project risks, technical challenges, and production constraints.
• Analyze actual project costs versus estimated costs to improve future estimating accuracy.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding project status, schedules, and technical requirements.
• Review purchase orders, contracts, drawings, and specifications to ensure project requirements are clearly understood.
• Develop project schedules and coordinate activities between engineering, purchasing, production, quality, and shipping departments.
• Monitor project progress, budgets, labor utilization, and profitability.
• Manage engineering changes, customer revisions, and scope modifications.
• Identify and resolve scheduling conflicts, production challenges, and project risks.
• Conduct project review meetings and provide status updates to customers and management.
• Manage fabrication and machining projects from award through completion.
• Manage change orders, scope modifications, and customer requests.
• Conduct project kickoff, progress, and closeout meetings.
• Ensure projects meet customer requirements, quality standards, and delivery commitments.

• Coordinate material procurement and subcontractor activities as needed.
• Support production planning and scheduling efforts.
• Assist in developing manufacturing processes that improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Monitor estimate accuracy and project performance metrics.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing activities.
• Ensure compliance with company quality standards and safety requirements.

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in fabrication, machining, manufacturing estimating, project management, or a related role.
• Experience in a job shop, custom manufacturing, or contract manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining, metal fabrication, welding, assembly, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Knowledge of manufacturing costs, labor standards, and production planning.
• Familiarity with ISO quality systems and lean manufacturing principles is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Effective communication and customer relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

• Quote turnaround time
• Estimate accuracy
• Project profitability
• On-time delivery performance
• Customer satisfaction
• Change order management
• Labor and resource utilization
• Quality and rework metrics

• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Stand or walk for long periods of time
• Use arms and hands to reach for, handle, or manipulate objects
• Lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift items weighing more than 50 pounds with assistance
• Manual dexterity needed for repetitive task and operating standard office equipment

All IMI Full-Time employees can enjoy the following benefits: major medical plans, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance options, a robust company-matched 401(k), and PTO plans.

IMI maintains a Drug-Free Workplace in compliance with federal/state regulations. Employees are prohibited from using or possessing illegal drugs or alcohol on duty. This position is subject to pre-employment, reasonable-suspicion, and random drug testing.