M&J Steel - Estimator_Steel Construction Industry_Trussville, AL

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Estimator_Steel Construction Industry

Company: M&J Steel - Trussville, AL

U.S. Position: Does not qualify for work visa/sponsorship.

 

The Company

M&J Steel, LLC. is a leader in the fabrication and erection of metals and we carry the distinguished certification from American Institute of Steel Construction. (AISC) We have been in business since 1976 (formerly M&J Materials, Inc.), providing quality service and materials to some of the largest general contractors nationwide.

Position Summary

The Estimator prepares complete, competitive, and accurate bids for structural steel and miscellaneous metals packages on commercial and industrial projects. This role owns the bid from drawing review and quantity take-off through pricing, proposal issuance, and hand-off to Project Management. Success is measured by take-off accuracy, bid turnaround, hit rate, and the margin realized on jobs the Estimator wins.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Bid Management: Review plans, specifications, and addenda; review the bid calendar and ensure every proposal is delivered on time.
• Quality Take-off: Perform detailed material take-offs for structural steel, joists, deck, stairs, railings, platforms, embeds, and other misc. steel, including but not limited to AESS (Categories 1–4) from drawings and models.
• Pricing: Price material, shop labor (cut, fit, weld, blast, paint/galvanize), freight, and applicable overhead and margin.
• Vendor Quotes: Solicit and level quotes from joist/deck suppliers, galvanizers, painters, detailers, erection subcontractors and various other subs; negotiate pricing and lock in escalation exposure. Work closely with the purchasing manager to procure current material pricing.
• Scope & Proposals: Write clear scope letters using our template, with inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, and qualifications; issue proposals to general contractors and follow up through award.
• Value Engineering: Support design-assist, constructability review, and VE efforts as required.
• Handoff & Buyout: Turn over the estimate basis, budget, and assumptions to Project Management, Detailing, and Purchasing at award; assist with buyout and change-order pricing.
• Cost Feedback: Compare estimated versus actual shop and field hours on completed jobs and update unit rates and productivity factors accordingly.
• Relationships: Maintain working relationships with GCs, architects, subs, and EORs; represent M&J Steel professionally in pre-bid and scope-review meetings.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

Required

• Education: High school diploma or GED required. Associate or bachelor's degree in construction management, civil/structural engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: 3+ years estimating structural steel and/or miscellaneous metals for a fabricator, erector, or specialty subcontractor. Equivalent detailing, project management, or shop experience with demonstrated take-off ability will be considered.
• Technical: Fluent reading of structural, architectural, and shop drawings; working knowledge of AISC standards, AWS D1.1 welding, and CSI Division 5 scope boundaries.
• Software: Proficiency with estimating/take-off software (e.g., FabSuite, Tekla EPM/PowerFab, Bluebeam Revu, or similar) and strong Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
• Skills: High attention to detail, disciplined time management under bid deadlines, clear written scope language, and sound judgment on risk and contingency.
• Other: Valid driver's license; able to visit active job sites and wear required PPE.

Preferred

• Experience with AESS requirements and architecturally exposed work
• Familiarity with Tekla Structures models and BIM-coordinated LOD 400 workflows
• Existing relationships with Southeastern general contractors
• Understanding of mill pricing, lead times, and escalation clauses

What We're Looking For

• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively within a team.
• Good communication skills and a positive attitude.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to producing high-quality work.

Work Environment

• Office-based at the Trussville shop with periodic walks through the fabrication floor. Occasional exposure to shop and job site conditions including noise, heat, and uneven surfaces. Extended periods at a computer. Periods of extended hours near major bid dates.
• M&J is a drug-free workplace and tests employees upon hire and randomly thereafter.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Excellent benefit package.

What We're Looking For:

We value team members who are reliable, solutions-oriented, and maintain a professional, positive attitude in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate is calm under pressure, adaptable, and eager to learn and grow with the company.

If you're looking for an opportunity to excel in your career in the steel fabrication and fitting business while contributing meaningfully to a supportive team, we'd love to hear from you.

 

Successful results of a Background and Drug Screen are required.