What are the responsibilities and job description for the Steel Estimator position at Griffin Welding?
Job Description: AISC Steel Estimator / Project Manager Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled AISC Steel Estimator / Project Manager to support both the preconstruction and execution phases of structural steel and miscellaneous metals projects. This hybrid role requires strong technical estimating abilities paired with hands-on project coordination, ensuring projects are accurately bid, efficiently planned, and successfully delivered in accordance with AISC standards.
Key Responsibilities Estimating & Preconstruction
- Review structural, architectural, and engineering plans and specifications.
- Perform detailed takeoffs for structural steel, connections, and miscellaneous metals.
- Calculate steel tonnage, fabrication hours, and erection requirements.
- Prepare competitive cost estimates including materials, labor, equipment, coatings, and subcontractors.
- Issue RFIs, clarify design intent, and identify cost-saving value-engineering options.
- Assemble bid proposals with clear scope breakdowns and assumptions.
Project Management
- Serve as primary point of contact for clients, engineers, general contractors, and vendors throughout the project.
- Lead project kickoff/hand-off meetings to ensure smooth transition from estimating to fabrication.
- Develop and maintain project schedules, submittal logs, and procurement plans.
- Coordinate steel detailing, fabrication, and delivery in line with project milestones.
- Manage change orders, scope revisions, and cost impacts.
- Track project budgets, labor hours, and production progress.
- Facilitate communication between detailing, fabrication, field installation, and suppliers.
- Ensure compliance with AISC Code of Standard Practice, quality requirements, and safety standards.
- Conduct jobsite visits to monitor progress, address issues, and coordinate with erection crews.
Coordination & Documentation
- Prepare and review shop drawings, submittals, and RFIs.
- Maintain organized project documentation including contracts, revisions, and correspondence.
- Manage purchase orders for steel, hardware, coatings, and outsourced services.
- Support invoicing by tracking percent-complete, stored materials, and approved change orders.
Qualifications Required
- 3–5 years of experience in structural steel estimating, project management, fabrication, or construction.
- Strong understanding of AISC standards, steel fabrication processes, and erection practices.
- Ability to read and interpret complex structural and architectural drawings.
- Experience with estimating and project management software (Bluebeam, Tekla EPM/Fab Suite, Procore, SDS2, etc.).
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
- Experience with BIM/3D modeling programs (Tekla Structures, SDS2).
- Background in steel detailing, welding, or fabrication.
- Familiarity with building codes, welding standards, and coatings systems.
Work Environment
- Office-based with periodic visits to fabrication shops, suppliers, and job sites.
- Fast-paced and deadline-driven with a high level of autonomy.
- Collaboration with estimators, detailers, engineers, project managers, purchasing, and field crews.
Salary & Benefits
(Customize this section)
- Competitive pay
- Health, dental, vision coverage
- 401(k) with match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Opportunities for AISC training, certifications, and career advancement
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Waterbury, CT 06705