Estimator​/Concept Engineer

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We are seeking a highly technical and commercially minded Estimator / Concept Engineer to lead early-stage solution development and cost modelling for industrial automation projects. This role bridges Sales, Engineering, and Operations - translating customer needs into technically sound concepts and accurate, competitive proposals.

Projects range from conveyance systems and rack indexers to robotic cells, vision-guided automation, inspection gantries, tooling systems, and full turnkey manufacturing lines
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This position plays a critical role in defining scope, mitigating risk, and setting projects up for execution success.

• Develop system concepts for:
  • Robotic work cells (welding, material handling, assembly, inspection)
  • Conveyors (indexing, palletized, power & free, accumulation)
  • Dunnage handling and rack sequencing systems
  • Vision systems and part validation processes
  • Custom tooling and EOAT
• Generate conceptual layouts in AutoCAD
• Perform cycle time analysis and capacity validation
• Evaluate manufacturability and field install considerations
• Identify technical risks and mitigation strategies
• Mechanical engineering hours
• Panel build & field wiring labor
• Fabrication and machining
• Purchased components (robots, conveyors, vision, pneumatics)
• Installation and debug
• Solicit vendor quotes and manage supplier pricing
• Build structured Bills of Material (BOMs)
• Prepare scope narratives and assumptions
• Work closely with Sales to ensure competitive positioning

• Partner with:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Controls Engineering
  • Manufacturing
  • Field Installation
  • Purchasing
• Support handoff meetings to project teams
• Assist in technical presentations to customers
• Participate in design reviews and risk assessments

• 5+ years experience in industrial automation, tooling, or machine design
• Strong background in:
  • Robotic systems (Fanuc, ABB, etc.)
  • Conveyor and material handling systems
  • Pneumatics and mechanical assemblies
• Proficiency in AutoCAD
• Ability to read and interpret:
  • Mechanical drawings
  • Electrical schematics
  • Customer specifications (OEM standards preferred)
• Strong understanding of automation build costs and labor models
• Excellent communication skills (internal & customer-facing)

• Familiarity with automotive OEM standards
• Understanding of vision systems and inspection processes
• Experience with cost modelling tools or Excel-based estimating systems
• Knowledge of installation sequencing and field labour planning

• Systems thinking
• Problem solving
• Detail-oriented but able to think big picture

• Strong in-house engineering and build capabilities
• Direct impact on company growth and profitability
• Opportunity to shape concepts from napkin sketch to production launch