Estimator – Industrial Construction

ESTIMATOR

Reports To: Estimating Manager

Position Summary

An Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for projects across sectors such as oil & gas, chemical, power, and heavy industrial. This role involves reviewing drawings and specifications, performing quantity takeoffs, and pricing all aspects of work including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors. It also includes participating in site visits and job walks to fully understand field conditions, scope requirements, constructability challenges, and potential risks that may impact cost and execution. The estimator collaborates closely with client teams to define project scope, identify risks and opportunities, and ensure alignment with execution strategies. They solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes, apply historical cost data, and incorporate market conditions to build reliable estimates. Additionally, the role supports proposal development by preparing scope narratives, assumptions, and clarifications, while ensuring estimates are complete, well-documented, and competitive. Ultimately, the estimator plays a key role in setting projects up for success by delivering well-supported budgets that reflect real-world construction conditions and minimize financial risk.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Scope Development & Definition

· Fully define and understand complete project scope, ensuring no scope gaps exist in the estimate.

· Identify scope gaps or missing information and issue RFIs prior to bid submission.

· Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop accurate and complete scope coverage.

Quantity Takeoff & Estimate Development

· Perform detailed quantity takeoffs across all disciplines (fabrication, civil, structural, mechanical, piping, and I&E).

· Develop cost estimates using labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect costs.

· Apply historical data, production rates, and market conditions to develop accurate pricing.

Subcontractor & Vendor Management

· Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor pricing.

· Review and approve subcontractor proposals to ensure scope alignment and completeness.

Site Evaluation & Constructability

· Conduct job walks and site visits to assess field conditions and constructability.

· Identify execution risks and constraints based on site conditions and scope complexity.

Risk Management & Value Engineering

· Identify project risks and opportunities during estimate development.

· Develop value engineering options and alternative approaches to improve competitiveness.

Client & Team Coordination

· Coordinate with client teams (engineering, procurement, operations, project management) during estimate development.

· Participate in client meetings, pre-bid reviews, and bid interviews as required.

Proposal Development & Submission

· Prepare estimate documentation, assumptions, and support proposal/bid submissions.

· Ensure estimates are accurate, complete, and submitted on time in accordance with company standards.

Turnover & Continuous Improvement

· Support handoff to project teams ensuring clarity of scope, assumptions, and risks.

· Track estimate performance versus actual project costs and support continuous improvement efforts.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent field experience).

· 3–10 years of experience in industrial construction estimating.

· Experience estimating industrial projects (oil & gas, chemical, power, fabrication, or heavy industrial).

· Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and contract documents.

· Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and developing complete cost estimates.

· Experience with subcontractor and vendor solicitation, evaluation, and leveling.

· Willingness and ability to travel throughout the United States to perform job walks and site visits as required.

· Certifications (e.g., CCP, CPE, or similar) preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong understanding of civil, structural, mechanical, piping, and I&E construction scopes.

· Knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, and field execution practices.

· Familiarity with estimating software and tools (Excel, Bluebeam, HCSS, or similar).

· Understanding of cost control, budgeting, production rates, and historical cost data.

· Ability to identify scope gaps and issue RFIs for clarification.

· Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

· Strong communication and coordination skills with internal teams and external partners.

· Knowledge of basic scheduling concepts and project execution planning preferred.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

· Estimate accuracy and gross margin performance (estimated vs. actual costs and margins)

· Bid hit rate and bid volume (total number of estimates/bids completed)

· Estimate turnaround time

· Scope completeness (minimizing gaps and RFI-driven issues)

· Subcontractor coverage and pricing competitiveness

· Estimate rework rate and overall quality of deliverables

· Value engineering savings and cost optimization impact

· Cost database and production rate accuracy against actuals

· Proposal quality and client feedback/satisfaction

· Job walk effectiveness and quality of field input captured