Senior Estimator - Steel Fabrication

SENIOR ESTIMATOR – STEEL FABRICATION

Location: Eau Claire, WI (Preferred) | Lisle, IL (Secondary)

Position Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Relocation Assistance: Available

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join an established steel fabrication organization specializing in complex steel bridge fabrication and large-scale structural steel projects.

The Senior Estimator will be responsible for leading the preparation of accurate and competitive estimates for high-value and complex fabrication projects. This role requires strong technical knowledge of steel fabrication processes, material and labor costing, engineering drawings, and project specifications.

The ideal candidate will have direct experience estimating steel bridge fabrication projects or large structural steel fabrication projects, including stadiums, hospitals, and other major steel structures.

This is a senior individual-contributor position with opportunities to mentor junior estimators and take on greater leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Bid Preparation

• Lead the preparation of detailed estimates for complex steel fabrication projects.
• Analyze engineering drawings, project specifications, RFPs, and contract documents.
• Prepare accurate material takeoffs, labor estimates, and fabrication cost calculations.
• Estimate costs associated with materials, labor, transportation, subcontractors, and outside services.
• Review supplier and subcontractor pricing to ensure competitive bids.
• Prepare bid proposals, cost breakdowns, assumptions, and project clarifications.
• Develop estimates for project changes and change orders.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and competitive bidding strategies.

Technical & Fabrication Responsibilities

• Understand steel fabrication processes, production methods, and assembly requirements.
• Interpret structural drawings, fabrication drawings, welding symbols, and technical specifications.
• Evaluate labor hours and production requirements using historical project data.
• Coordinate with engineering, detailing, purchasing, and production teams.
• Develop procurement and subcontracting strategies to optimize project costs.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior estimators.
• Review estimates prepared by other team members for accuracy and completeness.
• Lead bid review meetings and present estimates to senior management.
• Coordinate estimating activities and ensure timely bid submissions.
• Communicate project assumptions, risks, and cost considerations to leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Approximately 8–12 years of relevant experience in estimating, fabrication, or heavy civil/bridge-related manufacturing.
• Direct experience estimating steel bridge fabrication projects OR large structural steel fabrication projects is mandatory.
• Strong understanding of structural steel fabrication methods and processes.
• Experience preparing material takeoffs and labor estimates.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Knowledge of fabrication labor requirements, welding processes, and production methods.
• Experience evaluating material costs, subcontractor pricing, procurement, and transportation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex estimates and deadlines.

Technical Knowledge & Software

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Microsoft Project.
• Understanding of AWS welding symbols and relevant fabrication standards.
• Familiarity with AREMA, AISC Code of Standard Practice, and DOT specifications.
• Understanding of CPM master project proposal schedules.
• Knowledge of historical production rates and fabrication cost data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Steel bridge fabrication estimating experience.
• Experience with large structural steel fabrication projects, including stadiums, hospitals, and major steel structures.
• Previous experience mentoring junior estimators.
• Experience leading complex, high-value bids and presenting estimates to executive management.

Location & Relocation

The preferred location for this position is Eau Claire, Wisconsin . Candidates currently located in or willing to relocate to Eau Claire will receive priority consideration.

Candidates in the Lisle, Illinois area will also be considered.

Generous relocation assistance is available and will be individualized based on the selected candidate.