Automation Controls Estimator

Automation Controls Estimator

Shift: 1st Shift – 8:00 AM Start
Travel: Up to 25%, primarily domestic; occasional overnight travel and rare international travel

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Controls Estimator to support the development and securing of new business through accurate, detailed project estimates and technical proposals. This position will develop controls solutions and estimate labor, materials, equipment, travel, subcontractors, and other project-related costs for complex automation and manufacturing projects.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation, controls, electrical systems, and estimating, with the ability to understand technical drawings, specifications, CAD models, and project requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Develop complete controls solutions and project cost estimates for customer proposals
• Estimate labor, materials, equipment, travel, subcontracting, and other project costs
• Review RFQs, technical specifications, blueprints, CAD models, and project requirements
• Develop controls system architectures and determine required controls hardware and materials
• Work with engineering, procurement, mechanical estimating, suppliers, and account management teams
• Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations for components, materials, and specialized solutions
• Support the preparation and presentation of bids and proposals to customers and internal leadership
• Meet with customers to understand project scope, specifications, budgets, and technical requirements
• Assist with bid strategy, pricing, and negotiations
• Ensure estimates are accurate, organized, and completed within required deadlines
• Maintain knowledge of applicable controls, electrical, safety, and industry standards
• Manage multiple proposals and competing priorities
• Support continuous improvement and quality initiatives

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Management, or related field preferred
• 5–10 years of related experience, preferably including estimating
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing, automation, and controls
• Experience estimating complete projects rather than only labor or material
• Strong understanding of electrical power and distribution systems
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical drawings
• Experience working with CAD models and technical drawings
• Knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, robotics, CNC motion control, and industrial automation
• Knowledge of electrical standards such as NFPA, NEC, UL 508, IEC, and CE
• Strong understanding of project costs and pricing
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Strong communication, organization, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines

Preferred Controls Experience:

• PLC programming and ladder logic
• Allen-Bradley/Rockwell and Siemens controls
• Electrical hardware and control panel design
• AutoCAD Electrical or similar software
• C#, C++, or other programming languages
• Experience developing machine code from scratch
• Experience with CATIA, NX, or similar CAD platforms

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a controls or automation professional with strong estimating and proposal experience who can translate technical project requirements into accurate, complete costs and practical controls solutions. Candidates with a controls engineering background who have moved into estimating, proposals, applications engineering, or project costing are encouraged to apply.

Branex Group is a Minority-owned Technical Staffing firm headquartered in Auburn Hills, MI. We are a Certified Women’s Owned Business through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). We specialize in Engineering, Information Technology, Robotics, Human Resources, and Finance opportunities across the United States.

Branex Group is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We ensure all applicants and employees are considered without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, genetics, or any other protected characteristic by State and Federal laws.

Branex Group offers the following benefits:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off
- 401(k)

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.