IDNEO

Should-Cost Calculator / Cost Estimator – Sheet Metal

IDNEO  •  Mollet del Vallès, ES (Hybrid)  •  1 hour ago
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Job Description

📍 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.

Requirements

  • 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 🚀

IDNEO

About IDNEO

Idneo is a product engineering and complex manufacturing company.

Founded in 2011, the company supports its customers around the world in transforming their businesses through innovative and customized technology solutions.

Headquartered in Barcelona and with a presence in the EU, California and Michigan, Idneo has a team of more than 400 highly qualified and customer-focused employees. Its mission is to positively impact people's lives, bringing technology closer and shaping a better future through the products developed in its different business units: NextMobility, MedTech and Industrial Solutions.

For more information: www.idneo.com.

Industry
Architecture & Engineering
Company Size
201-500 employees
Headquarters
Mollet del Valles, ES
Year Founded
2011
Website
idneo.com
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