Senior Steel Estimator

Position Summary

The Estimator / Preconstruction Specialist prepares accurate project budgets and competitive estimates while supporting projects from early design through contract award and handoff to construction. The ideal candidate has estimating and preconstruction experience with a multifamily, student housing, senior housing, hospitality, multi-unit general contractor, including conceptual budgeting, trade scope development, subcontractor bidding, and value engineering.

This role works closely with owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, and internal teams to evaluate costs, resolve scope gaps, and align project design with budget and schedule objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, and project documents to evaluate scope, constructability, and cost implications.
• Develop conceptual, schematic design, design development, and construction document estimates for multifamily projects.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and prepare detailed estimates for prefab cold-formed steel framing.
• Develop trade bid packages, solicit subcontractor and supplier proposals, and maintain strong bidding relationships.
• Level bids, verify scope coverage, and identify exclusions, overlaps, and missing costs.
• Prepare project budgets, bid comparisons, scope narratives, assumptions, clarifications, and exclusions.
• Identify and evaluate value engineering options, including alternative materials, structural systems, and construction methods.
• Track design changes and explain their impact on project budgets and schedules.
• Coordinate with design teams and subcontractors to resolve scope questions and support constructability reviews.
• Support procurement planning, long-lead material tracking, and preliminary construction schedules.
• Assist with guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposals, negotiated pricing, and competitive bids.
• Maintain historical cost data, subcontractor pricing, and estimating records.
• Participate in owner and design meetings, internal estimate reviews, and project handoffs.
• Use estimating software, BIM tools, and Microsoft Excel to support takeoffs and cost analysis.

Required Qualifications

• At least three years of estimating and preconstruction experience with a general contractor on multifamily construction projects.
• Experience developing budgets from preliminary drawings and refining estimates as the design progresses.
• Working knowledge of major construction trades, including sitework, foundations, structural systems, building envelope, interiors, and MEP systems.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings and specifications.
• Experience with subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, scope review, and value engineering.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and construction estimating and takeoff software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet deadlines.
• High school diploma or GED required; degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with garden-style, podium, wrap, and/or mid-rise multifamily construction.
• Familiarity with wood framing, cold-formed steel, structural steel, and concrete construction systems.
• Experience preparing GMP budgets and supporting negotiated preconstruction services.
• Familiarity with BIM and model-based quantity takeoffs.
• Experience evaluating general conditions, contingencies, allowances, and escalation.
• Field operations or project management experience.

Work Environment & Benefits

• Office-based or Hybrid position.
• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Health insurance and retirement plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.