Columbia Energy
Job Posting: Estimator
Location: Richland, WA or Idaho Falls, ID
Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services
Salary: Competitive, based on experience ($82,000 - $120,000)
About Columbia Energy
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. We are known for successfully executing complex, fixed-price design/build/test projects across both federal and commercial sectors.
With a collaborative and experienced team, we are committed to providing practical, client-focused solutions tailored to a wide range of challenges. We prioritize technical precision, safety, and quality in everything we do. As part of our continued growth, we have expanded operations to Idaho Falls, ID-broadening our capabilities while maintaining the reputation for reliability and integrity that sets us apart.
Why Join Columbia Energy?
Columbia Energy offers a technically focused, hands-on environment where estimators work closely with engineering, fabrication, and project management to develop accurate, competitive bids that directly influence project success. Our structure allows you to stay involved beyond the estimate-contributing to production strategy, cost control, and compliance with quality requirements.
If you're looking for a role where your estimating work directly supports the company's ability to win and deliver complex fabrication projects with demanding quality standards, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Position Overview
We are seeking a driven and detail-oriented Estimator with a strong background in industrial metal fabrication to join our growing team. This role is ideal for someone who combines analytical precision with real-world shop awareness-someone who can interpret complex technical drawings, understand fabrication constraints, and develop accurate, buildable estimates that hold up through execution.
The ideal candidate will also bring experience supporting or estimating projects governed by NQA-1, ASME code, or other regulated quality standards, and understand how these requirements impact cost structure, vendor qualifications, and documentation.
As an Estimator at Columbia Energy, you'll be responsible for developing cost estimates for complex fabrication and machining projects-often with critical quality and regulatory compliance components. You'll work closely with engineers, project managers, shop leads, and vendors to ensure every estimate is comprehensive, competitive, and grounded in real production capability. From bid strategy to vendor coordination to risk assessment, you'll play an essential role throughout the project lifecycle.
This is a full-time, on-site role based in either Richland, WA or Idaho Falls, ID.
Key Responsibilities
Analyze drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to develop detailed cost estimates for fabrication, machining, and assembly work Generate labor and material takeoffs using a strong understanding of metalworking, welding, and machining processes Collaborate with internal teams-engineering, QA, and fabrication-to validate scope, assess feasibility, and define schedules Identify scope gaps and risks early, offering solutions or contingencies in the estimating phase Maintain and grow a reliable vendor and subcontractor network; solicit bids, compare quotes, and negotiate pricing Work with Project Managers to develop proposal packages and support contract reviews and handoffs Assist in drafting technical proposal documents, schedules, and pricing narratives Provide clear breakdowns and justifications for costs to leadership and clients Prepare pricing for change orders, contract modifications, or value-engineering options Document key assumptions and maintain organized records of estimates, revisions, and supporting data Participate in post-project reviews and process improvements for estimating workflows Required Qualifications
5+ years of experience in estimating, project planning, or project engineering roles-ideally within industrial metal fabrication, welding, or machining Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and weld symbols Proficiency in Excel (including formulas/tables), MS Project, and Adobe Pro Familiarity with fabrication workflows, including job routing, inspection requirements, and tooling setups Skilled in producing complete cost estimates from partial or conceptual information Strong time management and organizational skills; able to juggle multiple active estimates Experience developing scopes of work and aligning labor plans to project goals Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders Must be a U.S. citizen (due to contract and regulatory requirements) Preferred Qualifications
10+ years of experience in estimating fabrication and machining work Hands-on experience with ASME/NQA-1 code work and understanding of how regulated quality systems affect cost, schedule, and risk Familiarity with DOE or government projects and their compliance standards Experience using estimating or ERP software for quotes and BOMs Knowledge of shop workflows, machine run times, and labor efficiencies What Makes You Successful in This Role
Attention to Detail & Accuracy: You ensure high-quality, error-free estimates that reflect the full scope and complexity of the work Customer Service Excellence: You communicate clearly, build trust, and maintain strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams Self-Motivation: You operate independently, stay focused under pressure, and take initiative in a dynamic environment Strategic Thinking: You analyze project requirements and find creative, efficient ways to meet client needs while aligning with company capabilities Consistency & Reliability: You're dependable and always follow through-delivering accurate work on time Clear Communication: You explain assumptions, pricing logic, and potential risks with confidence and clarity Professional Integrity: You operate with honesty, discretion, and accountability in every interaction Commitment to Excellence: You hold yourself to high standards and take pride in exceeding expectations, not just meeting them
Equal Opportunity Employer
Columbia Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.
About Columbia Energy
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. We are known for successfully executing complex, fixed-price design/build/test projects across both federal and commercial sectors.
With a collaborative and experienced team, we are committed to providing practical, client-focused solutions tailored to a wide range of challenges. We prioritize technical precision, safety, and quality in everything we do. As part of our continued growth, we have expanded operations to Idaho Falls, ID-broadening our capabilities while maintaining the reputation for reliability and integrity that sets us apart.
Why Join Columbia Energy?
Columbia Energy offers a technically focused, hands-on environment where estimators work closely with engineering, fabrication, and project management to develop accurate, competitive bids that directly influence project success. Our structure allows you to stay involved beyond the estimate-contributing to production strategy, cost control, and compliance with quality requirements.
If you're looking for a role where your estimating work directly supports the company's ability to win and deliver complex fabrication projects with demanding quality standards, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Position Overview
We are seeking a driven and detail-oriented Estimator with a strong background in industrial metal fabrication to join our growing team. This role is ideal for someone who combines analytical precision with real-world shop awareness-someone who can interpret complex technical drawings, understand fabrication constraints, and develop accurate, buildable estimates that hold up through execution.
The ideal candidate will also bring experience supporting or estimating projects governed by NQA-1, ASME code, or other regulated quality standards, and understand how these requirements impact cost structure, vendor qualifications, and documentation.
As an Estimator at Columbia Energy, you'll be responsible for developing cost estimates for complex fabrication and machining projects-often with critical quality and regulatory compliance components. You'll work closely with engineers, project managers, shop leads, and vendors to ensure every estimate is comprehensive, competitive, and grounded in real production capability. From bid strategy to vendor coordination to risk assessment, you'll play an essential role throughout the project lifecycle.
This is a full-time, on-site role based in either Richland, WA or Idaho Falls, ID.
Key Responsibilities
Analyze drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to develop detailed cost estimates for fabrication, machining, and assembly work Generate labor and material takeoffs using a strong understanding of metalworking, welding, and machining processes Collaborate with internal teams-engineering, QA, and fabrication-to validate scope, assess feasibility, and define schedules Identify scope gaps and risks early, offering solutions or contingencies in the estimating phase Maintain and grow a reliable vendor and subcontractor network; solicit bids, compare quotes, and negotiate pricing Work with Project Managers to develop proposal packages and support contract reviews and handoffs Assist in drafting technical proposal documents, schedules, and pricing narratives Provide clear breakdowns and justifications for costs to leadership and clients Prepare pricing for change orders, contract modifications, or value-engineering options Document key assumptions and maintain organized records of estimates, revisions, and supporting data Participate in post-project reviews and process improvements for estimating workflows Required Qualifications
5+ years of experience in estimating, project planning, or project engineering roles-ideally within industrial metal fabrication, welding, or machining Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and weld symbols Proficiency in Excel (including formulas/tables), MS Project, and Adobe Pro Familiarity with fabrication workflows, including job routing, inspection requirements, and tooling setups Skilled in producing complete cost estimates from partial or conceptual information Strong time management and organizational skills; able to juggle multiple active estimates Experience developing scopes of work and aligning labor plans to project goals Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders Must be a U.S. citizen (due to contract and regulatory requirements) Preferred Qualifications
10+ years of experience in estimating fabrication and machining work Hands-on experience with ASME/NQA-1 code work and understanding of how regulated quality systems affect cost, schedule, and risk Familiarity with DOE or government projects and their compliance standards Experience using estimating or ERP software for quotes and BOMs Knowledge of shop workflows, machine run times, and labor efficiencies What Makes You Successful in This Role
Attention to Detail & Accuracy: You ensure high-quality, error-free estimates that reflect the full scope and complexity of the work Customer Service Excellence: You communicate clearly, build trust, and maintain strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams Self-Motivation: You operate independently, stay focused under pressure, and take initiative in a dynamic environment Strategic Thinking: You analyze project requirements and find creative, efficient ways to meet client needs while aligning with company capabilities Consistency & Reliability: You're dependable and always follow through-delivering accurate work on time Clear Communication: You explain assumptions, pricing logic, and potential risks with confidence and clarity Professional Integrity: You operate with honesty, discretion, and accountability in every interaction Commitment to Excellence: You hold yourself to high standards and take pride in exceeding expectations, not just meeting them
Equal Opportunity Employer
Columbia Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.