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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Estimate complex fabrication projects and influence bid success.
- Company: Established mechanical engineering firm in Southampton with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and career progression.
- Why this job: Join a valued team where your work directly impacts project profitability.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical engineering and strong estimating skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic SME environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 45000 £ 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.
Mechanical Estimator in 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 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 previous estimating projects, especially those involving structural steelwork and bespoke fabrication. This will give you an edge during interviews and help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Brush up on your technical drawing interpretation and material take-off skills. You might even want to do some mock estimations to keep your skills sharp and ready for any technical questions that come your way.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities that could be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of getting noticed by hiring managers who appreciate proactive candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Estimator in Portsmouth
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 application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. 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 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 project outcomes or team collaboration.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Research the company’s culture and values before the interview. Knowing what they stand for will help you align your answers with their expectations and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
