Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
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 team where your expertise directly impacts project profitability and success.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical engineering or fabrication with strong estimating skills.
- Other info: Be part of a valued team in a busy SME environment with real influence.
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
- 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 Southampton 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 Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mechanical engineering and fabrication sectors. Attend industry events or join online forums where you can connect with potential employers and other estimators. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on. Bring examples of your estimating work, especially those involving structural steelwork or bespoke fabrication. This will help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your experience and skills. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical knowledge! Be ready to interpret drawings and specs on the spot. Practise explaining your thought process when producing material take-offs and labour calculations. Confidence in your technical abilities can really impress potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Estimator 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 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 mechanical engineering and how your background fits with our company. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience you have in the petrochemical or oil & gas sectors. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of the industry and its challenges.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We’re excited to hear from you!
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 thought process during the interview.
✨Engage with Examples
Be ready to share specific examples from your previous work that highlight your experience with fabrication and pipework systems. Discussing your role in successful bids or projects will show your potential employer how you can contribute to their success.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
In a busy SME environment, being organised is key. Prepare to discuss how you manage multiple projects and deadlines. Sharing strategies you’ve used to stay on top of your workload will demonstrate your ability to thrive in their fast-paced setting.
