Estimator

Star

. Develop cost estimates and advise on production timing for new and existing business proposals .

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeMinneapolis • Minnesota • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive estimating experience in tradeshow and retail industries, with a strong understanding of costs, margins, and value engineering. Capable of collaborating cross-functionally and providing innovative solutions to design and cost challenges while maintaining high standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Estimating ExperienceValue EngineeringAutoCAD ProficiencyExcel ProficiencyCustomer Focus

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cost EstimationProject BudgetingDesign and Manufacturing EstimatesMaterial SourcingCosting InvestigationsPerformance StandardsStrategic Pricing StrategiesTechnical GuidanceQuality AssuranceAnalytical Skills

Soft Skills

CollaborationAttention to DetailTime ManagementEffective CommunicationSolutions Orientation

Industry Keywords

Tradeshow IndustryRetail IndustryConstructionVendor ConfidentialityClient PresentationsCreative SolutionsProject EngineeringCore Values

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop cost estimates and advise on production timing for new and existing business proposals
Generate, communicate, and maintain estimates and performance against standards
Assist in establishing, implementing, and promoting estimating and proposal procedures and standards
Contribute to complex projects with broad scope and/or new materials or processes
Establish, produce, and implement project budgets
Produce design and manufacturing estimates
Integrate graphics, design, production, and service estimates for final proposals
Establish final blended estimates and project margins
Organize and facilitate margin, variance, and quality assurance meetings
Work with Design Engineers to ensure projects can be successfully built
Secure buy-in from Design Engineers and Production Lead Builders
Ensure effective transition from estimating to Project Engineering
Source materials and conduct value engineering research
Lead structural integrity, value engineering, and costing investigations
Provide material and specialty order lists, obtain supplier pricing, and determine yields
Ensure vendor confidentiality agreements are in place
Establish and promote processes and procedures for maintaining high standards
Provide updated reports to the manager
Develop strategic pricing strategies aligned with client budgets
Gather project details and partner with Creative to understand client needs and project elements
Provide technical guidance and creative solutions to designers
Participate in opportunity presentations with process, technical, and costing information
Demonstrate Star’s core values in every interaction

Requirements

What you’ll need

Extensive estimating experience in tradeshow, retail or similar industry (e.g., construction)
Strong understanding of costs, margins, and value engineering
Strong materials knowledge
Experience presenting to clients preferred
AutoCAD familiarity and proficiency with Excel
Proven ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally
Ability to travel up to 5%
Willingness and ability to work beyond 40 hours per week during peak periods to ensure client needs are met
Strong customer focus and solutions orientation
Desire and ability to operate according to Star’s core values
Strong attention to detail and time management skills
Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and clients
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
Ability to devise innovative solutions to design or cost challenges

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary and benefits
Engaging and collaborative work environment
Recognition and rewards for talent and potential