Director of Estimating - Manufacturing & Power Systems

Location: Fontana, CA (supporting Dallas, TX facility as well) Travel: ~25-30% domestic & international Compensation: $170,000-$210,000 base + ~15% bonus | Unlimited PTO | Relocation available

Overview

We are seeking a Director of Estimating to lead and elevate the estimating function for a growing manufacturer of custom power distribution and protection systems. This new position offers an opportunity to refine how projects are scoped, priced, and executed-ensuring accurate, competitive, and profitable bids from the start.

Working closely with the General Manager, this leader will own the estimating strategy across multiple product lines and markets, including utilities and data center infrastructure. The Director will play a hands-on role in improving tools, processes, and team alignment, and will serve as an advocate for the estimating department at the leadership table.

About the Role

The Director of Estimating will oversee a well-established but evolving department consisting of estimators, applications engineers, and project coordinators, with one direct report (Estimating Manager). The goal: to strengthen bid accuracy, shorten turnaround times, and improve margins on high-volume, custom-engineered projects ranging from $250K to $3M.

This individual should bring a mix of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership presence-capable of bridging the gap between estimating, engineering, and operations while mentoring teams and influencing process change.

Key Responsibilities Lead all estimating activities across multiple facilities, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and profitability. Develop and implement improved estimating tools, templates, and processes that drive efficiency and bid success rates. Partner closely with the GM and executive leadership to evaluate bid opportunities, assess risk, and align on pricing strategy. Mentor and guide the Estimating Manager and team, setting clear expectations and fostering professional growth. Strengthen collaboration across engineering, operations, and business development to support rapid, high-quality proposal delivery. Review and approve all major estimates and terms, ensuring compliance with internal standards and market competitiveness. Monitor market and technology trends to inform cost reduction initiatives and estimating best practices. Engage directly with clients as needed to ensure proposal clarity, credibility, and customer confidence. Travel periodically to other facilities (approximately one week every two months) and to client sites as needed. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field (preferred). Minimum 8 years of estimating experience in manufacturing, utilities, or related industrial sectors. Strong understanding of civil, mechanical, and electrical systems and their cost drivers. Proven ability to lead and develop technical estimating teams. Skilled in interpreting blueprints, electrical/mechanical drawings, and commercial bid documents. Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with AutoCAD or SolidWorks a plus. Meet Your Recruiter

Max Francis Technical Recruiter

Max Francis is a seasoned Engineering Recruiter specializing in the Automation Division at Sterling. With five years of invaluable experience in recruitment, Max is on a mission to help individuals find their perfect career move-one that aligns with their professional goals and supports their families.

As an Engineering Recruiter, Max excels in the Automation Division, leveraging his deep industry knowledge to connect candidates with opportunities tailor-made for their unique skill sets and aspirations. He understands that finding the right career move is a pivotal moment in people's lives, and he thrives on being a part of that journey.

What Max finds most exciting and rewarding about his work is the opportunity to guide individuals to their ideal career fit. He recognizes that this transition is an exhilarating time for most people, and he derives immense satisfaction from helping them navigate the path toward their next professional adventure.

Max's advice to job seekers is grounded in the value of connections. He believes that having a well-connected recruiter within the industry you aspire to be in can open doors to companies and positions that may not be readily available on job boards. In today's competitive job market, he encourages candidates to connect with a recruiter early in their job search journey. While he advocates for candidates to continue their independent job searches, he emphasizes the benefit of having an additional set of experienced eyes on the market. 262-443-3691 mfrancis@sterling-engineering.com Connect on LinkedIn

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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