What are the responsibilities and job description for the Junior Estimator position at Loadmaster Industries?
The Opportunity
We are looking for a driven and detail-oriented Junior Estimator to join our estimating and project development team. This is a foundational role within a company that operates like a mini-EPC — meaning you will gain exposure to the full project lifecycle, from initial client inquiry through cost development, proposal delivery, and project handoff.
You will work alongside experienced estimators and project managers to develop competitive cost proposals, build out scope of work documentation, coordinate with vendors and subcontractors, and support the preparation of professional proposals for oil and gas clients. You will also interact directly with clients on an as-needed basis via email and phone, so clear and professional communication is essential.
We are open to candidates with estimating experience across a range of disciplines — structural steel, piping, mechanical equipment, I&E, field services, engineering services, or offshore and marine construction. What matters most is a solid estimating foundation, strong command of Excel and Word, and the ambition to grow within a specialized upstream O&G project delivery environment.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Estimating: Develop accurate, competitive cost estimates across the full project scope — labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and overhead — for upstream O&G and energy infrastructure clients.- Scope Development: Assist in defining and documenting scope of work based on client-furnished drawings, specifications, and engineering documents — both Loadmaster-generated and client-supplied.
- Proposal Preparation: Produce clear, professional, and well-structured bid proposals, cost sheets, and supporting documentation for client submission.
- Drawing & Specification Review: Interpret structural drawings, P&IDs, welding symbols, and contract documents to establish project requirements and identify scope gaps or risks.
- Material Take-Offs: Perform detailed take-offs for structural steel, pipe, mechanical components, and ancillary materials across varying project types.
- Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination: Solicit, review, and evaluate quotes from suppliers and subcontractors to support competitive and accurate bid development.
- Project Processing: Prepare complete project transition packages for awarded work, ensuring a clean and thorough handoff to the project management and production teams.
- Data Management: Assist in maintaining estimating databases, cost libraries, and historical project data to support continuous improvement, benchmarking, and reporting.
- Client Communication: Engage professionally with clients via email and phone on an as-needed basis to clarify scope, answer questions, and support the estimating process.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate closely with engineering, sales, project management, and production to gather inputs, resolve scope questions, and develop winning proposals.
- Market & Industry Awareness: Stay current on upstream O&G market conditions, material pricing trends, and developments across relevant industrial disciplines.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate’s degree, technical certificate, or coursework in engineering, construction management, or a related field is preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 1 year of estimating experience in any of the following: structural steel fabrication, piping, upstream drilling or production facilities, offshore or marine construction, mechanical equipment, I&E, field services, or engineering services. Background in upstream O&G or drilling contractor environments is especially valued.
- Experience developing cost proposals, bid packages, or scope of work documentation in a project-based environment.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents across structural, mechanical, or piping disciplines.
- Exposure to ERP systems, estimating platforms, or project data management tools is a plus.
Technical Skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel — cost modeling, take-offs, and data analysis.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word for proposal writing and professional documentation.
- Experience with estimating or project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Tekla, SDS/2, or similar) is a plus.
- Basic familiarity with AutoCAD or similar drawing review tools is helpful.
- Working knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards (AISC, AWS, API, ASME, ABS, DNV, ISO 9001, etc.) is preferred but not required.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in all deliverables.
- Strong analytical and quantitative reasoning.
- Professional written and verbal communication — you will interact with clients.
- Able to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced project environment.
- Collaborative by nature, with the confidence to work independently when needed.
- Curious, coachable, and motivated to grow within a specialized O&G project delivery company.