Tooling Estimator

The Company

Heico has a history of success. Since its founding over 40 years ago The Heico Companies has grown from a single business to over 78 separate companies through a strategic acquisition policy, and by reinvesting its earnings into internal growth and new prospects. Historically talented at restoring distressed companies, Heico strategically targets acquisitions that will complement its ever-growing portfolio of companies in manufacturing, construction, and industrial services. 

These four core operations are organized into groups: Applied Solutions Group, Construction Solutions Group, Industrial Technologies Group, and Metal Processing Group. Once acquired, new Heico companies are assigned to a group and run on a stand-alone basis, allowing for great independence as well as the opportunity to share knowledge about markets, production processes, and management practices across other Heico groups and companies. 

Heico continues to seek out new opportunities and maintain its standard of success. The Heico Companies has remained a privately held company since its creation and maintains a majority ownership in each of its operations, which generates more than $3.3 billion dollars in revenues. Many of our businesses are certified Woman-owned Business Enterprises (WBE). 

More information about the overall organization can be found at

Since our inception, Versatile Mold and Design, Inc. (VMD) has had a core competency of designing and building molds for thermoset and thermoplastic products. Versatile is committed to improving the long-term competitive edge of our customer through innovative engineering and mold performance. Additionally, Versatile is a full-service molding facility capable of providing support through all phases of the molding process, from prototyping, through mold design and manufacturing, to mold sampling and into full production. We have applied our expertise in engineering molds for thermoset injection, thermoplastic injection, compression, injection-compression, and transfer as well as general machining and refurbishment, to give our customers the latest in technology. Versatile can also provide metal stamping dies.

We work together with our customers as a team. Our management, each with hands-on experience, ensures that the customer is involved at each stage of the project. Our mold designers and toolmakers work closely with engineering and take personal pride in the quality and workmanship of each mold. Individual contribution and commitment is encouraged from every member of the Versatile team. We offer both domestic and offshore tooling to provide the best in service and competitive pricing to our customers.

The Position 

The Tooling Estimator will be responsible for developing detailed cost estimates for tooling in response to customer requests for quotations (RFQs). This role involves analyzing technical documents like drawings, CAD files, and specifications to accurately estimate the cost to manufacture the types of tooling Versatile produces. Estimates will include things like material and labor costs related to tool design, purchased components, fabrication, fitting, polishing and plating. The Tooling Estimator will work with the Versatile management team to issue final quotations to the customer.

Job Description           

Tooling Estimator Primary Responsibilities 

• Analyze customer-provided drawings, CAD files, and specifications to determine detailed material and labor costs related to tool design, purchased components, fabrication, fitting, polishing and plating and sampling.
• Develop a comprehensive picture of total costs and provide the information to Versatile team members so that a customer proposal can be prepared. The estimator will then review the proposal to confirm accuracy prior to issuing the quotation to the customer.
• Maintain well-organized, detailed records of all estimates for future use and reference.
• Provide timely estimates as described above in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where responsiveness to requests for quote is key to winning business.
• Collaborate with various internal departments and external vendors to gather accurate pricing for new and existing projects.
• Input data into the MRP system as needed and maintain RFQ and quote logs for tracking.
• Support the sales team in external and internal customer meetings, assisting with the sales process as needed.
• Offer technical assistance to sales personnel as required.

Other Duties:  This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Requirements     

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, journeyman toolmaker credentials or completion of a relevant apprenticeship is preferred but not required. 

Skills & Relevant Work Experience 

• Minimum of 5 years of injection or compression mold estimating experience.
• Knowledge of mold building processes and practices as well as mold-building related toolroom processes.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and technical drawings.
• Understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and its impact on manufacturing.
• Knowledge of material specifications and their performance in various applications.
• Proficiency in extracting and working with data from CAD platforms.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications accurately.
• Strong mathematical and analytical abilities. Excellent attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word. ERP experience is a plus. Basic experience using CAD a strong plus.

Physical Requirements 

• Typically sits, grasps items, and performs keyboarding for regular operation of a computer. 
• Stand, walk, bend, reach or otherwise move about regularly. 
• Life, move, or otherwise transfer items up to 40lbs occasionally. 
• Exposure to typical manufacturing and office environment. 
• Exposure to extremes of heat in manufacturing area. 

Key Competencies

• Commitment to EHS – The employee must continually demonstrate an unequivocal commitment to the highest standards of health and safety for the workforce and be a leader in ensuring the company maintains its high levels of environmental performance.
• Unquestionable Integrity - Demonstrates the highest degree of integrity when engaging with associates, distributors, and stakeholders. Leads ethically by example and fosters a culture firmly grounded in the values of the organization.
• Collaborative Style – Engages stakeholders in problem solving and decision making. Is adept at bringing people together to tackle issues rather than dictate solutions. Has a collegial, inclusive working style and is professional and courteous. Builds strong relationships both internally and externally. Is both confident and humble.
• Communication Skills - Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively deliver and reinforce consistent messages at all levels. Excellent listening skills.

EOE M/F/D/V