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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Estimate complex fabrication projects and influence bid success in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Established mechanical engineering firm in Southampton with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Join a valued team where your expertise directly impacts project profitability and success.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical engineering or fabrication with strong estimating skills.
- Other info: Work closely with management in a supportive, busy SME environment.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.
Mecahnical / 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
Desirable:
- 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.
Locations
Mechanical Estimator in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Red Chilli Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Red Chilli Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Estimator in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mechanical engineering and fabrication sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your estimating projects, technical drawings, and any successful bids you've worked on. This will give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to estimating and fabrication. Think about how your experience aligns with the role and be ready to discuss specific projects you've tackled.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Estimator in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical Estimator role. Highlight your experience with estimating fabrication projects and your ability to read technical drawings. 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 this role and how your background in mechanical engineering or fabrication makes you a great fit. We love a good story, so make it personal!
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your numerical and technical estimating skills in your application. Mention any relevant software or tools you’ve used, as well as your experience with material take-offs and cost breakdowns. We’re keen to see your expertise!
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’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Red Chilli Recruitment
✨Know Your Drawings
Make sure you’re comfortable interpreting technical drawings and engineering specifications. Brush up on your skills in reading and understanding these documents, as they’ll be crucial during the interview. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've used this skill in past projects will really impress.
✨Master the Numbers
As a Mechanical Estimator, strong numerical skills are essential. Prepare to demonstrate your ability to produce accurate material take-offs and labour calculations. Practise some sample estimates beforehand so you can confidently talk through your process and reasoning during the interview.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think about real-life scenarios where you’ve had to clarify missing information or raise technical queries. Be ready to share these experiences, as they show your problem-solving skills and your proactive approach to ensuring accuracy in bids.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with various teams, so highlight your communication skills and teamwork experience. Prepare examples of how you’ve collaborated with sales, operations, or suppliers in the past, and how that contributed to successful project outcomes.
