Project Estimator

Senior Project Estimator

Location: Fort Washington, PA

Department: Estimating / Preconstruction 

Reports To: Director of Estimating

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Overview

The Senior Project Estimator is a key leader in CleanSpace’s preconstruction and project development efforts, overseeing projects from concept through construction award. This role drives project strategy, manages complex scopes, and ensures alignment across cost, schedule, and execution. Acting as a senior liaison between clients, internal teams, and subcontractors, this position is critical to securing profitable work and positioning projects for successful execution.

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Experience & Qualifications

· 7–12 years of experience in construction estimating, preconstruction, or project development

· Proven experience managing large-scale or complex projects, ideally within cleanroom or controlled environment construction

· Degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or equivalent technical experience preferred

· Strong financial and business acumen with a deep understanding of project cost structures and profitability

· Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional coordination experience

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Key Responsibilities

· Lead preconstruction activities: estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management

· Develop and execute strategies for complex, high-value projects

· Own project financials during preconstruction, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and margin performance

· Lead development of GMPs (Guaranteed Maximum Prices) and pricing strategies

· Mentor and guide junior estimators and project team members

· Build and maintain strong client relationships to support repeat and long-term business

· Oversee change management strategy, cost controls, and financial forecasting

· Partner with operations leadership to ensure seamless project handoff and execution alignment

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Preconstruction Management

· Develop project cash flow and invoicing/billing plans

· Maintain communication channels: status letters, control logs, and updates

· Develop formal scopes of work for vendors and subcontractors

· Create schedules and overall strategy for assigned preconstruction projects

· Represent the company at client-led preconstruction meetings (Envelope projects)

· Lead company-led preconstruction meetings: organize weekly agendas and deliverables (Turnkey projects)

· Ensure client satisfaction throughout the preconstruction process

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Department Management & Oversight · Manage full employee lifecycle: compensation, recruiting, hiring, promotions, and terminations · Oversee employee relations, ensuring a positive and compliant work environment

· Mentor, develop, and train department staff to foster growth, accountability, and engagement · Supervise Estimators and Estimating Engineers, review their work, and maintain quality standards

· Oversee estimates for projects at all stages

· Drive deadlines and achieve results across the department · Establish departmental policies, standards, and performance expectations

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Core Technical Proficiencies

· Strong knowledge of cost-side, sell-side, and margin metrics with strategic pricing ability

· Expertise in conceptual estimating, specifically for cleanroom envelope projects

· Identify gaps in provided information and develop accurate, assumption-based pricing

· Develop initial GMPs and support contract negotiations

· Read and interpret drawings and specifications across disciplines

· Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for architectural, mechanical, and electrical cleanroom systems

· Develop and schedule advanced labor costs (including overtime, union labor, and shift work)

· Interpret project schedules and generate formal, detailed responses

· Communicate and qualify clarifications, exclusions, exceptions, and scope “handshake” points

· Solicit, level, and follow up with vendors and subcontractors for complete pricing coverage

· Understand local construction markets, labor conditions, and pricing trends

· Knowledge of value engineering concepts, alternates, and cost optimization strategies

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Day-to-Day Activities

· Lead development and review of estimates, budgets, and schedules across multiple projects

· Coordinate with design, manufacturing, field operations, and subcontractors to ensure alignment

· Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies throughout preconstruction

· Participate in client meetings, presentations, and pricing discussions

· Track and report project pipeline, estimate accuracy, and profitability metrics

· Support business development and strategic planning initiatives

· Ensure adherence to company standards, safety protocols, and ethical practices