Job Description

Lead 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

• Supporting the tendering process from initial enquiry through to submission

• Reviewing ITT/RFQ documentation, raising TQs and clarifying missing information

• Interpreting drawings/specs and producing accurate material take-offs

• Working with suppliers/sub-contractors to obtain competitive, accurate quotations

• Completing all required labour and cost breakdowns to support the bid schedule

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.