What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Estimator Signs position at Signarama Philadelphia/Cherry Hill, NJ?
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Free uniforms
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Training & development
Role Context
This is a hands-on estimating role in a large-scale sign fabrication environment handling iconic branding projects for major national QSR and restaurant brands including Dunkin', Primo Hoagies, Taco Bell, Burger King, Dave's Hot Chicken, and Papa Johns. The estimator is the bridge between conceptual design and physical landmark—dissecting complex construction plans, determining efficient fabrication methods, and generating precise Bills of Materials (BOM) to ensure projects are profitable, durable, and field-ready.
- Department: Estimating / Pre-Construction
- Reports To: Director of Operations / Project Management
- Experience Level: 5 years estimating specifically within signage, exhibit, or architectural metal fabrication industries
Key Responsibilities to Cover
- Reading and interpreting architectural blueprints, site plans, and structural drawings for large-scale interior and exterior signage packages
- Creating comprehensive Bills of Materials (BOM) including substrates (aluminum, acrylic, steel), lighting components (LEDs, power supplies), and hardware
- Evaluating site conditions for installation requirements (crane access, footing depths, mounting hardware) to accurately quote labor hours and equipment rentals
- Maintaining current knowledge of raw material market fluctuations to reflect current costs and company-mandated markups
- Value engineering—identifying cost reductions through alternative materials or fabrication methods without compromising design intent or structural integrity Cross-departmental collaboration with Production, Engineering, and Sales teams to verify buildability and finalize competitive bids
Required Qualifications & Core Competencies to Include
- Expert ability to read and interpret construction documents, shop drawings, and engineering specifications
- Deep understanding of sign installation processes including UL requirements, masonry, welding, and electrical connections
- Strong mathematical proficiency for calculating square footage, material yields, and complex markups
- Software proficiency with ERP/Estimating tools (e.g., CoreBridge, SignTracker, Cyrious), Excel, and ideally CAD or Adobe Illustrator
- Precision mindset: understanding that a 1/8\" error in a material calc can lead to a $10,000 mistake in a large-scale rollout
- Foresight: ability to \"see\" the installation happening from a 2D drawing and account for hidden costs (permits, traffic control, specialized brackets)
- Clear communication of technical constraints to non-technical stakeholders
- Experience with multi-unit national brand rollouts is highly valued—the ability to estimate at scale across dozens or hundreds of locations while maintaining consistency and accuracy
Writing Guidance
- Lead with what makes this role compelling to a precision-minded estimator—the complexity of the work, the tools, the standards, the expectation of excellence
- Use language that signals this organization takes estimating seriously (not as an afterthought)—this company handles branding programs for some of the most recognized restaurant brands in the country, including Dunkin', Taco Bell, Burger King, Dave's Hot Chicken, Primo Hoagies, and Papa Johns
- Make the ideal candidate feel recognized—speak to the mindset of someone who double-checks their work, questions assumptions, and finds satisfaction in getting numbers right
- Let the precision-focused culture come through in every section, not just a single bullet point
- Keep the tone professional and confident without being stiff—this should read as a company that knows what excellent estimating looks like and won't settle for less End with a note asking candidates to include a brief list of the most complex sign types they have previously estimated (e.g., Pylons, Wayfinding Packages, High-Rise Channel Letters)
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchise. All inquiries about employment at this franchise should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to Signarama Corporate.