CSA Estimator

CSA Estimator

The CSA Estimator develops detailed cost estimates for civil, structural, and architectural scope across complex capital projects. This role works closely with engineering, procurement, and construction teams to produce accurate budgets, mitigate risk, and support competitive proposal development. The position offers long-term involvement on a major capital construction program, strong exposure to leading contractors and consultants, and clear opportunities for professional growth within a global organization.

Responsibilities

• Analyze blueprints, drawings, specifications, and other project documents to quantify civil, structural, and architectural scope.
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs for all available design documents and translate them into detailed cost estimates.
• Prepare and manage quantity take-offs, cost models, and bid packages for complex capital projects.
• Develop unit cost pricing by inputting estimate takeoff information for specific disciplines into estimating tools.
• Obtain accurate and up-to-date pricing information from databases, contractors, suppliers, and vendors to support cost estimates.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and construction teams to validate assumptions and clarify project scope during estimate preparation.
• Evaluate subcontractor bids and vendor pricing for completeness, competitiveness, and alignment with project requirements.
• Identify cost risks, value engineering opportunities, and potential schedule impacts, and communicate these to project stakeholders.
• Support the development of proposals, budgets, and client deliverables by providing detailed and well-documented estimates.
• Maintain and update historical cost databases, estimating tools, and data libraries to improve future estimate accuracy.
• Prepare cost reconciliations between two or more estimates and clearly explain variance cost drivers.
• Assist senior staff in identifying ways to improve project efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in estimating processes.
• Maintain project documents such as drawings, specifications, and estimate files in an organized manner, following company standards for file server storage.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with members of architecture/engineering firms and project team members to enhance collaboration and information flow.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in construction estimating with a focus on civil, structural, and architectural (CSA) scope.
• Background supporting industrial, semiconductor, commercial, or large infrastructure projects.
• Experience working with general contractors (GCs), EPC firms, or engineering consultancies.
• Strong working knowledge of construction materials, labor productivity, and construction sequencing.
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing or mission-critical environments, particularly relevant to Portland and Phoenix markets.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or a closely related field.
• Working knowledge of electronic takeoff tools, including CAD-based measurement (such as CAD Measure).
• Working knowledge of a commercially available construction cost estimating system.
• Ability to understand and utilize information technology tools including Internet and Intranet resources, Microsoft Windows operating systems, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite, and Microsoft Project.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, construction drawings, and technical specifications.
• Ability to perform detailed and accurate quantity takeoffs and develop comprehensive cost estimates.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify cost drivers, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with multidisciplinary project teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with estimation in disciplines such as civil, concrete structures, steel structures, and construction management.
• Familiarity with preconstruction processes, bidding procedures, and bid package development.
• Experience using estimating software and tools such as Acubid, Bluebeam, and related platforms.
• Knowledge of industry standards and practices in electrical and construction estimation.
• Professional designations such as RICS, CCE, CCM, AIA, PE, ASPE, AACEI, CVS, AVS, RA, or relevant appraisal licensure are preferred.
• Ability to maintain organized project documentation and adhere to company standards for file management.
• Demonstrated initiative in seeking ways to improve the accuracy and efficiency of estimating tasks.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a global organization that supports multiple sectors and projects.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in an office environment with a strong preference for onsite presence. There is potential for a hybrid schedule, typically four days onsite and one day working from home. The position supports a large, long-term capital construction project, providing ongoing involvement over multiple years and exposure to many leading contractors and consultants in the region. The broader organization is a global company active across multiple sectors, offering opportunities to support other local and regional projects, including project controls, scheduling, procurement, and quality assurance services. Work is performed using standard office technology, construction estimating systems, electronic takeoff tools, CAD measurement software, and collaboration platforms in a professional, project-focused setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Beaverton, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $67.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Beaverton,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.