What are the responsibilities and job description for the Architectural Millwork Estimator position at Columbia Woodworking?
Architectural Millwork Estimator
Company: Columbia Woodworking
Location: Capitol Heights, MD
Job Type: Full-Time (Remote & Hybrid Opportunities)
Industry: Custom Commercial Architectural Millwork Manufacturing
About Columbia Woodworking
For over 50 years, Columbia Woodworking has been a trusted leader in premium architectural millwork across the mid-Atlantic region. From our state-of-the-art 70,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, we transform complex design visions into world-class commercial realities. We don't just follow blueprints—we help shape them.
Our team operates on five cultural pillars: Service is the standard, Own it!, Keep getting better, Built to last, and Problem? Bring it. If you are a solutions-oriented professional who treats estimation as a strategic partnership rather than a data-entry task, we invite you to build your career with us.
Key Responsibilities & Core Context
· Project Scope & Lifecycle: Completely own the invitation-to-bid process from initial review to final submission. Evaluate project requests, generate accurate material takeoffs, and compile vendor quotes autonomously.
· Value Engineering: Review architectural construction sets to identify ambiguities, dimension conflicts, or hidden cost drivers. Work directly with general contractors and architects to develop innovative, cost-saving alternatives.
· Precision Bidding: Establish baseline cost boundaries for custom cabinetry, casework, paneling, and specialty wood products, ensuring compliance with AWI standards.
· Continuous Improvement: Run post-award project handoff loops with Project Managers. Review won/lost parameters and historical job costs to sharpen bidding formulas and close structural data gaps.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
· Win Rate
· Pipeline Value
· Bid Gross Margin
· On-time Submission
· Booked vs. Budget
What We’re Looking For
· Millwork Experience: 5 years analyzing blueprints and performing digital takeoffs for commercial architectural millwork packages.
· Technical Standards: Deep, practical knowledge of custom woodwork fabrication, finish materials, hardware, and AWI Quality Certification Program requirements.
· Software Proficiency: Fluency with Bluebeam, CAD takeoff tools required. Innergy estimating experience is preferred; candidates with equivalent commercial millwork ERP experience will be considered.
· Communication: Professional communication habits to interface comfortably with general contractors, architects, vendors, and shop floor craftsmen.
· Analytical Mindset: High attention to details, precision under tight bid deadlines, and a passion for deep architectural file forensics.
Compensation & Comprehensive Benefits
We take care of our employees by offering an exceptional, stable workplace environment and a generous employment benefits framework:
- Competitive base salary $75,000 - $100,000, based on experience and millwork knowledge
- Annual Estimator Incentive Plan (performance bonus)
- Comprehensive Health and Dental insurance programs
- 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with company match
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays
- Company-paid Life Insurance and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Dedicated career development paths and ongoing software/industry training
How to Apply
Visit columbiawoodworking.com/careers and submit:
- A brief overview of your millwork estimating background: types of projects, scale, and any experience with Innergy or similar millwork ERP systems.
- Your updated resume.
Columbia Woodworking is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All custom manufacturing and office operations adhere strictly to AWI standards and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifications.
Salary : $75,000 - $100,000