Estimator, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineer

Title: Estimator

Location: Saginaw, MI

MKR Fabrication, a subsidiary of Palladyne AI, is a heavy fabrication and weld shop with support and assembly capabilities that specializes in manufacturing heavy duty, complex components. With a focus on fabrication and welding for the mining and agricultural industries, and a growing presence in the aerospace and defense industries, our experienced team can handle projects of varying scopes and specifications, and as an AS9100D registered company, quality comes first, filling a need for reliable, high-quality products.

From structural to sheet metal, MKR’s in-house capabilities and technical expertise allows our work to speak for itself.

Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PYDN) is an AI software company on a mission to automate physically demanding work that has historically been “too complex to automate.” With more than thirty years of robotics R&D — including during our time under Raytheon — we’ve developed advanced AI and ML software that enables robots to observe, learn, reason, and act with human‑like intelligence.

As an Estimator, you will analyze project specifications, drawings, and technical documents to develop accurate cost for commercial and government projects with a current focus on agricultural and mining industries. You will evaluate material, labor, consumables, and subcontractor costs while identifying potential risks and opportunities that could impact pricing or project execution. As an Estimator, you will work with engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing to ensure estimates are technically sound and aligned with project requirements and timelines.

You will also prepare detailed bid proposals, maintain cost databases, and support project teams throughout the bidding and contract award process.

• Review project drawings, specifications, and scope documents to determine material, labor, equipment, and subcontractor requirements.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates and quantity takeoffs for fabrications, welds, and associated processes.
• Solicit and evaluate quotes from vendors and subcontractors to ensure accurate and competitive pricing.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing to clarify scope, identify risks, and develop practical project approaches.
• Compile and submit completed quotes, including pricing breakdowns, assumptions, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain historical cost data and estimating databases while assisting with project handoff and cost tracking after contract award.

• 5+ years of estimating experience for fabrication and welding or a related trade.
• Estimating experience in structural steel fabrication, mining, agricultural equipment, or related heavy industrial construction.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in estimating software, spreadsheets, and project management tools used for cost analysis and bid preparation.
• Solid understanding of material, labor, and equipment costs associated with fabrication, welding, and industrial construction processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Paperless Parts and JobBoss2 preferred.

MKR’s footprint across multiple industries is expanding. As part of the company, you will have a big impact through ownership of processes and new components being manufactured, from weld to paint to assembly and more, and you will see these components integrated into systems that are critical to the American manufacturing base.

We believe providing employees with competitive pay and a range of meaningful benefits is the start of creating a culture where people want to give the best they’ve got — not because they’re simply making money, but because they’ve fallen in love with our vision, mission, values, and team. During the interview process, your Recruiter will review our total rewards (base, perks, benefit, culture).

The final offer is determined by your proficiencies within our leveling.

Our culture is grounded in trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to serving missions that protect national security, strengthen public safety,…