Commercial Construction Estimator

Summary

Our client is an established international design/build construction firm with decades of experience delivering complex projects across commercial, industrial, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and higher education sectors. As they continue expanding their presence in the U.S. market, they are seeking a  Commercial Construction Estimator to support preconstruction and estimating efforts for cross-border commercial construction projects.

This role is ideal for an experienced estimator who can prepare accurate cost estimates, perform quantity takeoffs, support bid packages, and collaborate with internal teams across the U.S. and Mexico. The right candidate will be detail-oriented, technically strong in reading plans and specifications, and comfortable working in a fast-paced design/build environment supporting international project pursuits.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Estimating & Quantity Takeoffs

• Review architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, as well as project specifications, to understand project scope and develop accurate quantity takeoffs.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Analyze project documents to identify scope gaps, clarifications, and pricing considerations.

• Bid Support & Vendor/Subcontractor Coordination

• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing to ensure competitive and accurate bid coverage.
• Assist in assembling bid and estimate packages for internal review and client presentations.
• Support the proposal process by organizing estimate documentation, assumptions, exclusions, and scope narratives.

• Cost Analysis & Value Engineering

• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives without compromising project quality or design intent.
• Maintain and update historical cost data, vendor pricing, unit costs, and market trends to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Communicate estimate assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, and risks clearly to internal stakeholders.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with preconstruction, project management, BIM/VDC, and design/build teams to align estimates with project scope, schedule, and execution strategy.
• Support coordination between U.S.-based clients and project execution teams in Mexico.
• Participate in internal discussions related to project feasibility, budget alignment, and preconstruction strategy.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Required Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in commercial construction estimating.
• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings and specifications.
• Experience preparing detailed construction estimates, quantity takeoffs, and bid packages for commercial projects.
• Experience soliciting and leveling subcontractor and vendor bids.

• Technical Skills

• Proficiency with estimating software such as On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, ProEst, or similar tools.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel.
• Ability to maintain organized estimate files, pricing records, and supporting documentation.

• Professional Skills

• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently in a part-time capacity while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

• Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Lean Construction and/or BIM/VDC workflows.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus due to cross-border project coordination.
• Experience in automotive, manufacturing, distribution, industrial, or other large-scale commercial construction sectors is preferred.

 

Employment Type: Part time Location: San Diego, CA