Should-Cost Calculator / Cost Estimator – Sheet Metal

📍 Mollet del Valles (Barcelona), Spain

🏠 Hybrid Working

🌎 Global tech company founded in 2011

🌱 Our mission is to shape the future through technology

The role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Should Cost Calculator / Cost Estimator specialized in Sheet Metal manufacturing. In this role, you will analyze technical documentation (2D engineering drawings and 3D CAD models) to calculate accurate, standard-based manufacturing costs for sheet metal components. Your cost models will reflect realistic supplier cost structures and serve as a benchmark during strategic supplier negotiations, procurement, and design-for-manufacturability (DfM) optimization.

Key responsabilities

• Technical Data Analysis: Interpret 2D engineering drawings (GD&T, tolerances, material specifications, finishes) and 3D CAD models (STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, etc.) to evaluate manufacturing feasibility and process steps.

• Should-Cost Modeling: Develop bottom-up cost calculations for sheet metal parts and assemblies, accounting for:

  • Raw material utilization and nesting efficiency.

  • Laser cutting, punching, shearing, bending/forming, stamping, and welding (TIG/MIG/spot).

  • Secondary operations (deburring, hardware insertion, surface treatment/powder coating, heat treatment).

  • Machine hourly rates, setup times, cycle times, and labor costs.

  • Overhead, tooling, logistics, and supplier profit margins based on geographic region.

• Supplier Cost Benchmarking: Provide target cost analyses to compare against vendor quotes, identifying cost drivers, discrepancies, and negotiation leverage for the procurement team.

• Design for Manufacturing (DfM) Collaboration: Work closely with design and engineering teams to propose design modifications that reduce material waste, simplify production, and minimize manufacturing costs.

• Process & Tooling Standardization: Maintain and update internal cost databases, machine rate cards, and estimation templates to continuously improve calculation accuracy.

(*) The described functions are only the most representative for this position; therefore, they should not be understood as all the inherent functions related to this job position.

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in cost estimation, cost engineering, or manufacturing process engineering specifically within the Sheet Metal industry.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).

• Technical Skills:

  • Proficiency in reading 2D technical drawings and blue prints (GD&T knowledge is essential).

  • Hands-on experience using 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, CATIA) to extract geometry and sheet metal parameters.

  • Strong understanding of sheet metal manufacturing processes (laser cutting, CNC press brake bending, stamping, punching, welding, and surface finishing).

  • Familiarity with cost engineering tools/software (e.g., aPriori, Siemens PCM, Costimator, or custom advanced Excel models) is a plus.

• Analytical & Commercial Mindset: Ability to break down complex manufacturing processes into precise time and cost components, with an understanding of global manufacturing cost factors.

• Language Skills: Professional proficiency in English (both written and spoken).

Nice to have

• Experience interacting directly with procurement teams or external manufacturing suppliers.

• Knowledge of tooling cost estimation (dies, forming tools, fixtures).

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles.

We are engineering the future 🚀