Preconstruction Cost Engineer -- Fire/Life Safety & Civil-Structural

Job Description

Job Description

Role Overview

Join our preconstruction team as the go-to estimator across fire protection/life safety, civil/structural, and general construction scopes. From first-pass ROMs to fully detailed GMP proposals, you’ll own quantity takeoffs, pricing, and subcontractor bid orchestration for active pursuits.

Position Details

• Location: Remote, with optional access to our Oviedo, FL headquarters
• Travel: 12–15 days per month for site walks, vendor meetings, and bid coordination
• Employment Type: Contract-to-hire or direct hire (6+ months)
• Compensation: $45–$55 per hour on W2

What a Day Might Look Like

Morning: conduct disciplined quantity takeoffs from drawings and specs for civil utilities, structural steel, and fire suppression. Midday: level bids from specialty subs and vendors, tightening scope and clarifications for proposals. Afternoon: partner with the Preconstruction Scheduler to align procurement for long-lead life safety systems and structural packages, then enter updates in the Preconstruction portal. You’ll wrap by supporting the Proposal & Contracts Coordinator with exhibits and scope narratives.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute detailed quantity takeoffs for fire/life safety, civil, structural, and general construction scopes.
• Develop both ROM and detailed cost estimates for proposals, budgets, and GMPs.
• Solicit, analyze, and level subcontractor and vendor bids across all covered disciplines.
• Maintain current unit pricing for materials and labor across trades.
• Coordinate procurement timelines with the Preconstruction Scheduler for long-lead equipment and materials.
• Support the Proposal & Contracts Coordinator with scope clarifications and backup exhibits.
• Participate in basis-of-design (BOD) evaluations for fire/safety and civil/structural systems.
• Enter and manage estimate data in the Preconstruction portal.
• Contribute to equipment procurement as needed.

Discipline Coverage

• Fire / Life Safety: Fire protection and suppression systems; life safety systems.
• Civil / Structural: Sitework, earthwork, civil utilities; concrete, structural steel, framing.
• General Construction: General conditions and self-perform scopes.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of commercial construction estimating (experience in fire/safety, civil/structural, or general construction preferred).
• Fluency in reading construction drawings and specifications.
• Hands-on with estimating/takeoff tools such as On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar.
• Proven ability to solicit, compare, and level subcontractor bids.
• Bachelor’s in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent field experience considered.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Broad trade knowledge with the agility to support other Preconstruction functions.

Work Style & Expectations

• Remote-first role with optional in-office collaboration in Oviedo, FL.
• Expect approximately 15 travel days per month tied to project development milestones.
• Our Preconstruction team values versatility—priorities shift, tools evolve, and you’ll adapt quickly to support adjacent functions when needed.

Proficiencies

• Commercial Construction
• Construction Estimating
• Quantity Takeoffs
• Structural Estimating
• Civil Estimating

Equal Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.