Project Estimator

Job Title: Project Estimator

Location: Arlington, VA

Job Type: Onsite, Full-Time

About the Job:

We are seeking a detail-oriented Project Estimator with 3–5 years of commercial construction estimating experience to join a growing construction team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing accurate project cost estimates, supporting preconstruction activities, coordinating the bidding process, and ensuring successful financial planning through bid submission. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with project managers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Prepare accurate conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates.

Perform quantity take-offs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor scopes.

Analyze project plans, specifications, and contract documents to develop comprehensive cost estimates.

Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor bids.

Compare in-house estimates with contractor and subcontractor proposals to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Support preconstruction planning, budgeting, and value engineering efforts.

Coordinate bid documentation and ensure timely submission of proposals.

Collaborate with Project Managers, architects, engineers, and clients throughout the estimating process.

Participate in internal estimating and preconstruction meetings.

Maintain estimating databases, pricing information, and historical cost records.

Assist with project budgeting and cost forecasting until project award.

Ensure estimates align with project scope, schedule, and company objectives.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

3–5 years of commercial construction estimating experience.

Experience preparing estimates for all phases of construction projects.

Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and building systems.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and contract documents.

Experience preparing detailed material, labor, and equipment take-offs.

Strong understanding of budgeting, cost analysis, and bid preparation.

Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple bids and meet strict deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

Commercial General Contracting experience.

Experience with preconstruction planning and value engineering.

Knowledge of subcontractor procurement and bid leveling.

Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Experience using construction estimating software is preferred.

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with project teams.

Key Skills:

Construction Estimating

Commercial Construction

Cost Estimating

Quantity Take-Offs

Bid Preparation

Preconstruction

Budget Development

Cost Analysis

Value Engineering

Subcontractor Management

Bid Evaluation

Construction Documents

Blueprint Reading

Engineering Drawings

Contract Documents

Material Take-Offs

Labor Estimating

Project Budgeting

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office Suite

Time Management

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Project Coordination