Estimator - Boutique Shipyard/Boatyard

Marine Group Boat Works is a full-service ship repair and marine construction company with operations in San Diego and Mexico and a workforce of over 200 employees globally. We operate in a highly dynamic, project-based environment where each job is unique — scopes evolve, timelines shift, and execution in the field directly drives financial outcomes.

The Shipyard Estimator is a hands-on, client-facing role that blends technical estimating with relationship-building. Rather than working solely from behind a desk, our estimators get out on the water — touring vessels, meeting with crews and owners, and understanding the real scope of work firsthand. You'll help shape statements of work in collaboration with the customer, then translate that scope into accurate, competitive cost estimates for ship and boat repair contracts. This is a role for someone who's as comfortable walking an engine room with a captain as they are building a detailed estimate back at the office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Visit vessels in person to assess scope, condition, and repair needs alongside the crew or owner — this is a boots-on-deck role, not just a desk job.
• Build relationships with customers by listening to their needs, asking the right questions, and helping translate their goals into a clear, workable statement of work.
• Prepare bid documents, schedules, and detailed cost estimates based on firsthand vessel assessments and project documentation.
• Manage multiple proposals simultaneously while meeting stringent schedule requirements.
• Ensure estimates are accurate, reasonable, and delivered on time.
• Estimate labor and material costs, ensuring resources are used efficiently.
• Monitor estimates against actual expenditures to catch problem areas early and manage risk.
• Qualify vendors and confirm they meet contractual requirements.
• Solicit and evaluate price quotations from subcontractors, noting any exceptions.
• Follow up directly with customers to clarify scope or requirements as needed — strong communication and a consultative approach are key.
• Identify long-lead-time materials and flag potential schedule impacts early.
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Requirements:

• Comfortable both on the water and behind a desk — this role requires going out to vessels as much as it requires detailed estimate preparation.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage numerous projects and relationships at once.
• Dependable, detail-oriented, and operates with a high level of integrity.
• Naturally personable — able to build rapport with crews, owners, and subcontractors alike.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related programs; able to learn additional accounting/estimating software.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical subjects for a range of audiences.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a business-related field with 3+ years of experience, or a High School Diploma with 3+ years of related experience.
• Solid knowledge of ship repair procedures, terminology, requirements, and government contracts.
• Working understanding of U.S. Navy Standard Items, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) rules and how they differ.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to estimate commercial vessels, and large yachts.
• Ability to interpret drawings, technical data, and specifications to determine material and equipment needs.
• Comfortable engaging directly with crews and customers to understand project scope firsthand.
• Ability to maintain confidential and meticulous records.
• Self-directed, with sound judgment and the ability to take initiative as well as direction.
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly under shifting daily priorities.
• Strong team orientation and dependability.
• Role includes a mix of time aboard vessels and time at a desk preparing estimates.

Language Ability:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English 

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job are medium/heavy in nature. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, reach with hands and arms, and climb stairs 
• Tasks include the need for hand finger dexterity, clear speech, hearing/listening, reading and writing, and lifting
• Physical ability to lift, push, pull and carry 30+ lbs. 
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, talk or hear 
• The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Works in all areas of the shipyard, docks, and offices
• Hearing warning signals and reading and comprehending safety instructions. 
• Must be able to maintain general safety awareness and avoid hazards commonly present in employee’s work area.