Estimator

Estimator, Commercial Specialty Construction
Washington D.C. Metro Are


Our client is a premier Mid-Atlantic commercial specialty contractor with a reputation of excellence for over 45-years in complex interior scopes. Their project portfolio centers on schedule-driven, mission-critical sectors including data centers, healthcare, and large-scale commercial developments.


We are seeking a high-level Estimator who is a strategic thinker who can interpret complex plans, identify hidden risks, and drive competitive, profitable wins in a fast-paced preconstruction environment.


If you have a drive to protect margins and enjoy building trust with GC partners, we want to hear from you!

Position Overview


This is not "plug-and-play " takeoff role. This position sits at the intersection of preconstruction, technical analysis, and business development. You will be identifying scope gaps and working directly with General Contractors to secure the award. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of specifications, real-world execution, and the ability to build lasting client relationships.

Core Responsibilities



Strategic Plan Review & Risk Analysis

• Conduct deep-dive reviews of architectural and structural drawings to define the complete project scope.
• Interpret complex specifications to identify required systems and high-performance requirements.
• Proactively identify site-access challenges, sequencing constraints, and potential scope gaps before they become liabilities.

dvanced Takeoffs & Pricing

• Utilize digital estimating tools to perform precise quantity takeoffs.
• Build comprehensive labor, material, and equipment assumptions based on real-world production rates.
• nalyze phasing and Client requirements to develop accurate project budgets.

Bid Development & Client Engagement

• Prepare detailed, professional proposals that clearly define scope and exclusions.
• Level bids against drawings to ensure 100% completeness.
• Coordinate with specialty vendors for material pricing and advanced application systems.
• ctively engage with General Contractors throughout the bid lifecycle-negotiating terms, clarifying scope, and closing the deal.

Operational Alignment

• Facilitate seamless handoffs from preconstruction to the operations team to ensure project success.
• Support the Project Management team with change order pricing and scope revisions as needed.
• Maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities, following up consistently to drive high win rates.

Required Experience:

• 3-7 years of experience in commercial construction estimating (Subcontractor or GC background).
• Mastery of full drawing sets, including finish plans, RCPs, and architectural schedules.
• Proven ability to identify discrepancies between drawings and finish schedules and address them during the bid phase.
• High proficiency in PlanSwift (or similar digital takeoff software) and advanced Excel.

What Success Looks Like

• Clean Handoffs: Projects transition to the field with no "surprises " or missed scope.
• Strong Win Rate: Your bids are known by GCs for being the most complete and technically sound in the market.
• Client Trust: You become "go-to " resource for GCs during their own budgeting phases.
• Profitability: Bids are accurate and competitive, ensuring the firm hits its margin targets.