Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Estimate complex fabrication projects in mechanical engineering and support the tendering process.
- Company: Established mechanical engineering firm in Southampton with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on project success and profitability in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating fabrication projects and strong numerical skills required.
- Other info: Join a valued team where your contributions truly matter.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.
Overview
Mechanical / Fabrication Estimator – Mechanical Engineering & Fabrication Southampton | £40,000–£45,000 + benefits
I’m recruiting for a long-established mechanical engineering business in Southampton that delivers complex fabrication projects across petrochemical, oil & gas, utility sectors. They’re busy, growing, and need a Lead Fabrication Estimator who genuinely knows their way around drawings, RFQs, structural steelwork and fabricated assemblies. If you enjoy the technical challenge of estimating bespoke fabrication projects — and want to join a company where your work directly influences bid success and project profitability — this is one to take seriously.
The Role
- You’ll take ownership of multidiscipline fabrication estimates for a wide range of projects, including:
- Structural steelwork, walkways, ladders, access platforms
- Modular skid frames and fabricated assemblies
- Atmospheric tanks and bespoke welding/manufacturing work
You’ll work closely with the Sales & Estimating Manager and Operations Director, playing a key role in tender analysis, risk reviews and helping to secure profitable, deliverable work.
What You’ll Need
This role is ideal for someone from a mechanical engineering, fabrication, or petrochemical/oil & gas background with strong numerical and technical estimating skills.
Essential:- Experience estimating fabrication and pipework systems projects
- Ability to read technical drawings and engineering specifications
- Confident producing material take-offs and labour calculations
- Strong communication skills and ability to engage with clients, suppliers and internal teams
- Numerically strong, highly organised and detail-driven
- Comfortable working in a busy SME environment where you genuinely influence outcomes
- Experience with BS EN 1090
- Understanding of standard engineering practices
- Background in structural, welded or modular fabrications
What’s On Offer
- Salary £40k–£45k depending on experience
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Company pension & sick pay scheme
- Long-term career progression — the company is growing and invests in their people
- A role where you’re genuinely valued and not just “another estimator in a big machine”
Interested? If you’d like to discuss the role, the company culture, or whether your background fits — drop me a message and I’ll talk you through it. No pressure, no hard sell, just a proper conversation about whether this could be a strong next step for you.
Mechanical Estimator - Red Chilli Recruitment in Southampton employer: Jobster
Contact Detail:
Jobster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Estimator - Red Chilli Recruitment in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mechanical engineering and fabrication sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with RFQs, structural steelwork, and material take-offs. Show them you’re not just a number but someone who can genuinely contribute to their projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of roles that could be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up in the process. So, don’t hesitate — check us out and get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Estimator - Red Chilli Recruitment in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical Estimator role. Highlight your experience with fabrication projects, technical drawings, and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about estimating and how your background in mechanical engineering or fabrication makes you a great fit for us. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your ability to read technical drawings and produce material take-offs. We love candidates who can demonstrate their numerical strength and attention to detail, so make sure these skills are front and centre!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobster
✨Know Your Drawings
Make sure you’re comfortable interpreting technical drawings and engineering specifications. Brush up on your ability to read and understand these documents, as they’ll be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your estimating experience, especially with fabrication and pipework systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves engaging with clients, suppliers, and internal teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of examples where your communication made a difference in a project or helped resolve an issue.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work there and how you can contribute to their growth. Showing that you align with their ethos can set you apart from other candidates.
