Design Engineer and Estimator, Construction

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Design Engineer / Estimator to join our team. This individual will play a key role in developing project concepts, evaluating design solutions, preparing accurate construction cost estimates, and coordinating with architects, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and project management teams.

The ideal candidate understands both the design and construction phases of a project and can translate client requirements, conceptual plans, and technical specifications into practical, cost-effective, and buildable solutions.

Responsibilities:

Design Engineering & Technical Coordination

• Review architectural drawings, structural plans, MEP drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
• Assist in developing conceptual layouts, preliminary designs, design development packages, and construction details.
• Coordinate with architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, and other design professionals.
• Identify design conflicts, constructability issues, scope gaps, and potential changes before construction begins.
• Evaluate materials, systems, and construction methods to ensure functionality, code compliance, durability, and cost efficiency.
• Assist with design development, drawing reviews, and preparation of construction documentation.
• Incorporate client requirements, budget constraints, and project schedules into design recommendations.

Construction Estimating & Cost Analysis

• Prepare detailed preliminary and final construction cost estimates based on drawings, specifications, site conditions, and project scope.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor work, and general conditions.
• Solicit, review, and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Develop cost breakdowns, budgets, bid proposals, and pricing summaries.
• Identify scope exclusions, allowances, contingencies, escalation factors, and potential cost risks.
• Maintain estimating spreadsheets, cost databases, historical pricing, and unit-cost information.
• Evaluate alternative materials, systems, and construction methods to achieve project budget targets.
• Assist with change order pricing, budget updates, and cost impact assessments as designs evolve.

Design-Build & Value Engineering

• Participate in preconstruction meetings with clients, consultants, and internal project teams.
• Develop cost-effective design alternatives without compromising quality, performance, or applicable codes.
• Perform value engineering reviews to identify opportunities for savings, schedule improvements, and construction efficiencies.
• Assess the cost and constructability implications of design changes.
• Coordinate design intent with field execution requirements.
• Help establish project budgets during conceptual design and update estimates as drawings become more detailed.
• Support design-build proposals, negotiated contracts, and competitive bidding opportunities.

Project & Subcontractor Coordination

• Work closely with project managers, superintendents, procurement, and design consultants.
• Assist with subcontractor scope reviews, bid leveling, procurement planning, and vendor coordination.
• Review project schedules and identify long-lead materials, procurement risks, and potential cost impacts.
• Participate in site visits to verify existing conditions, dimensions, access limitations, and other project-specific requirements.
• Maintain organized project documentation, estimate revisions, drawing logs, and scope clarifications.
• Assist with the handoff of completed estimates and design information to the construction team.

Proposal Development & Client Support

• Prepare scope narratives, preliminary budgets, cost proposals, and supporting documentation.
• Assist in developing design-build presentations and project feasibility assessments.
• Communicate technical and cost information clearly to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Respond to requests for information and support pricing clarifications during negotiations.
• Help ensure that proposed project solutions align with client expectations, contractual requirements, and established budgets.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Approximately 3–5 years of experience in construction estimating, design engineering, preconstruction, or a related construction role preferred.
• Experience in design-build construction is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, building systems, materials, and construction methods.
• Demonstrated experience with quantity takeoffs, cost estimating, subcontractor pricing, and budget development.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
• Familiarity with building codes, permitting requirements, and applicable construction standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu for drawing takeoffs, markups, and document management.
• Microsoft Excel for estimating, cost analysis, and budgeting.
• Construction estimating software experience.
• Microsoft Project, or similar scheduling tools.
• Solid working knowledge of applicable codes and standards, including ASHRAE and local mechanical codes.
• Experiencing conducting site surveys of existing mechanical systems to assess conditions and define project scope.
• Demonstrated ability to develop mechanical system solutions without existing plans or specifications.
• Experience producing design drawings using CAD or similar tools.