What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Estimator position at Richard?
Position: Cost Estimator (All Trades/MEP)
Department: Estimating/Preconstruction
Reports to: Preconstruction Manager
Location: Chicago, IL
Employment Type & Shift: Full-time benefits eligible
Join Richard, Purpose Builders: Where Your Impact Matters
At Richard, we're not just another construction company – we're the catalyst for change in the industry. As one of the fastest-growing general contractors in the nation, we offer the excitement and innovation of a startup with the stability and expertise of an established firm. We're seeking visionaries who are ready to break free from the constraints of traditional construction and make a real impact.
Why Choose Richard?
Culture-First Approach: People and innovation over bottom line
Purpose-Driven Projects: Build structures that truly matter, from critical healthcare facilities to cutting-edge data centers
Rapid Growth: Be part of a company doubling in size while maintaining quality
Collaborative, Caring Culture: Clear communication and proactive problem-solving, while supporting your health, financial wellness, and career growth
Direct Impact: Your ideas shape our projects and company direction
Innovation Freedom: Be at the forefront of construction technology and sustainable practices
At Richard, you're not just a number – you're a crucial part of our mission to transform the construction industry. We're creating efficient, dynamic spaces that advance communities, sustainability, and well-being. With nearly 200 diverse contracts since 2016 and a passionate team across the nation, we offer the resources of a large firm with the agility and personal touch of a boutique operation. Break free from corporate constraints. Join Richard, Purpose Builders, and be the architect of your career while shaping the future of construction. Here, your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your impact is visible.
Job Summary
As a Cost Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate, complete, and competitive cost estimates for a wide range of commercial, healthcare, industrial, and federal construction projects. With 10 years of hands-on estimating experience across all construction trades—including Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), civil, structural, architectural, and specialty scopes—you will lead the day-to-day estimating efforts from document review through final bid submission. You will analyze drawings and specifications, perform quantity takeoffs, solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals, develop detailed scopes of work, and assemble comprehensive estimates that accurately reflect project costs. You must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple bids simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines. Your primary focus will be to deliver accurate, timely, and well-documented estimates that support successful project pursuits. You will work closely with project managers, operations, and subcontractors to clarify scope, identify gaps, resolve discrepancies, and ensure each bid is complete, competitive, and aligned with project requirements and company standards.
Responsibilities
Reviews project plans, requirements and specifications to develop a comprehensive understanding of the project and develop scope of work, labor, and equipment costs
Initiates RFIs as needed for accurate and competitive pricing
Prepares quantity takeoffs and pricing of scope either through self-perform production-based estimating or unit price estimating
Assists with estimating preparation and ITB software
Reviews and understands all bid documents and material requirements to assess constructability and product material requirements
Prepares bid packages
Reviews all bids across subcontractors to ensure pricing comparisons are accurate and all missing items are recorded and accounted for
Prepares estimates according to the requirements of multiple delivery systems
Reviews quotes and estimates with the project management team
Understands FAR clauses, the self-performance requirements on Government Contracts
Mandatory Qualifications
10-15 years of all trade estimating experience
Experience bidding federal & private sector projects
Proficient in estimating software and Excel; must be self-sufficient
Experience bidding commercial building projects
Experience with hard bidding, design-bid-build and design-build
Able to produce detailed estimates for 5 different trade packages
Experience with construction means and methods, costs and engineering principles
Engages and coordinates with Estimators on the bid
Understands costs and market conditions
Accurately estimates time required to complete actions and activities
A motivated and driven individual with strong organizational and communication skills
Able to prioritize tasks in a high-pressure bidding environment
Advanced computer skills with estimating software
A desire to stay and grow with a company that will help mentor, train, and educate you
Preferred Qualifications
Assisting with the bid process
Bachelor’s degree in Civil, MEP Engineering or Construction Management
Expertise in building construction
Experience in a competitive hard bidding environment
Experience bidding healthcare, and design-build projects
Experience With Davis Bacon-Prevailing Wage Or Union Required Projects
Experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs, GSA, USACE, Army, Navy, NAVFAC
Benefits
At Richard, we believe in showing the same gratitude and care to our team members that we do in our projects. This position comes with a competitive salary to match your level of experience and includes competitive benefits such as:
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA) available
15 days of paid time off (PTO)
7 paid holidays
Richard's Quarterly Bonus Program is effective immediately to all employees, given they have met their 90-day new hire waiting period
Company 401(k) matching contributions
Parental leave policy
We fully cover transportation costs, including parking and train fares, for employees working from our Chicago office
Affordable and freshly made breakfast and lunch provided through our on-site meal program (Chicago home office employees only)
Gym membership reimbursement program (Chicago home office employees only)
All employees immediately have access to mentorship, regular skills-based training, and leadership development programs
Pay Range
$120,000.00-$150,000.00
The base salary range for this position as of posting is Richard’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation for this role. The range for this role takes into account the factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. Richard is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants and employees will receive equal employment opportunities without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
Experience Consideration: The qualifications listed above represent the minimum experience preferred for this role. Candidates who possess significantly more experience, specialized expertise, or an exceptional background in estimating across multiple construction trades will be considered for a higher-level position. Compensation will be evaluated accordingly and may be adjusted to reflect the candidate's qualifications, experience, and overall value to the organization.
Department: Estimating/Preconstruction
Reports to: Preconstruction Manager
Location: Chicago, IL
Employment Type & Shift: Full-time benefits eligible
Join Richard, Purpose Builders: Where Your Impact Matters
At Richard, we're not just another construction company – we're the catalyst for change in the industry. As one of the fastest-growing general contractors in the nation, we offer the excitement and innovation of a startup with the stability and expertise of an established firm. We're seeking visionaries who are ready to break free from the constraints of traditional construction and make a real impact.
Why Choose Richard?
Culture-First Approach: People and innovation over bottom line
Purpose-Driven Projects: Build structures that truly matter, from critical healthcare facilities to cutting-edge data centers
Rapid Growth: Be part of a company doubling in size while maintaining quality
Collaborative, Caring Culture: Clear communication and proactive problem-solving, while supporting your health, financial wellness, and career growth
Direct Impact: Your ideas shape our projects and company direction
Innovation Freedom: Be at the forefront of construction technology and sustainable practices
At Richard, you're not just a number – you're a crucial part of our mission to transform the construction industry. We're creating efficient, dynamic spaces that advance communities, sustainability, and well-being. With nearly 200 diverse contracts since 2016 and a passionate team across the nation, we offer the resources of a large firm with the agility and personal touch of a boutique operation. Break free from corporate constraints. Join Richard, Purpose Builders, and be the architect of your career while shaping the future of construction. Here, your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your impact is visible.
Job Summary
As a Cost Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate, complete, and competitive cost estimates for a wide range of commercial, healthcare, industrial, and federal construction projects. With 10 years of hands-on estimating experience across all construction trades—including Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), civil, structural, architectural, and specialty scopes—you will lead the day-to-day estimating efforts from document review through final bid submission. You will analyze drawings and specifications, perform quantity takeoffs, solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals, develop detailed scopes of work, and assemble comprehensive estimates that accurately reflect project costs. You must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple bids simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines. Your primary focus will be to deliver accurate, timely, and well-documented estimates that support successful project pursuits. You will work closely with project managers, operations, and subcontractors to clarify scope, identify gaps, resolve discrepancies, and ensure each bid is complete, competitive, and aligned with project requirements and company standards.
Responsibilities
Reviews project plans, requirements and specifications to develop a comprehensive understanding of the project and develop scope of work, labor, and equipment costs
Initiates RFIs as needed for accurate and competitive pricing
Prepares quantity takeoffs and pricing of scope either through self-perform production-based estimating or unit price estimating
Assists with estimating preparation and ITB software
Reviews and understands all bid documents and material requirements to assess constructability and product material requirements
Prepares bid packages
Reviews all bids across subcontractors to ensure pricing comparisons are accurate and all missing items are recorded and accounted for
Prepares estimates according to the requirements of multiple delivery systems
Reviews quotes and estimates with the project management team
Understands FAR clauses, the self-performance requirements on Government Contracts
Mandatory Qualifications
10-15 years of all trade estimating experience
Experience bidding federal & private sector projects
Proficient in estimating software and Excel; must be self-sufficient
Experience bidding commercial building projects
Experience with hard bidding, design-bid-build and design-build
Able to produce detailed estimates for 5 different trade packages
Experience with construction means and methods, costs and engineering principles
Engages and coordinates with Estimators on the bid
Understands costs and market conditions
Accurately estimates time required to complete actions and activities
A motivated and driven individual with strong organizational and communication skills
Able to prioritize tasks in a high-pressure bidding environment
Advanced computer skills with estimating software
A desire to stay and grow with a company that will help mentor, train, and educate you
Preferred Qualifications
Assisting with the bid process
Bachelor’s degree in Civil, MEP Engineering or Construction Management
Expertise in building construction
Experience in a competitive hard bidding environment
Experience bidding healthcare, and design-build projects
Experience With Davis Bacon-Prevailing Wage Or Union Required Projects
Experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs, GSA, USACE, Army, Navy, NAVFAC
Benefits
At Richard, we believe in showing the same gratitude and care to our team members that we do in our projects. This position comes with a competitive salary to match your level of experience and includes competitive benefits such as:
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA) available
15 days of paid time off (PTO)
7 paid holidays
Richard's Quarterly Bonus Program is effective immediately to all employees, given they have met their 90-day new hire waiting period
Company 401(k) matching contributions
Parental leave policy
We fully cover transportation costs, including parking and train fares, for employees working from our Chicago office
Affordable and freshly made breakfast and lunch provided through our on-site meal program (Chicago home office employees only)
Gym membership reimbursement program (Chicago home office employees only)
All employees immediately have access to mentorship, regular skills-based training, and leadership development programs
Pay Range
$120,000.00-$150,000.00
The base salary range for this position as of posting is Richard’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation for this role. The range for this role takes into account the factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. Richard is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants and employees will receive equal employment opportunities without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
Experience Consideration: The qualifications listed above represent the minimum experience preferred for this role. Candidates who possess significantly more experience, specialized expertise, or an exceptional background in estimating across multiple construction trades will be considered for a higher-level position. Compensation will be evaluated accordingly and may be adjusted to reflect the candidate's qualifications, experience, and overall value to the organization.
Salary : $120,000 - $150,000