Estimator Internship

Estimator Internship

Education Level: Pursuing Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field (required)

Experience: previous estimating experience (required)

Location: Ann Arbor, MI (in-person)

Position Type: 20-40 hours/week on-site Monday – Friday day shift minimal travel

Description: The McFate Group, an award winning and rapidly growing commercial and industrial design-build firm, is seeking an experienced Estimator Internship to become an integral part of our team. The McFate Group is based in Ann Arbor, MI, and has been servicing customers throughout Michigan and northern Ohio for over 20 years. Known for delivering innovative, high-quality spaces across multiple industries, our integrated approach blends creativity, functionality, and expert project management to bring our clients' visions to life. As we continue to grow, we're looking for candidates that can be a team player with strong industry knowledge, communication skills, passion, enthusiasm, and the ability to get things done.

The Estimator Intern will be responsible for estimating construction costs for all phases of a project, providing and/or coordinating full estimating services for all types of contracts, preparing competitive bid proposals, design-build proposals, conceptual estimating, and value engineering, and providing appropriate estimating services on construction management proposals. A strong understanding of pre-engineered metal buildings and self-performance estimation is a plus.

Qualifications:

• thorough understanding of construction principles and practices
• proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, Sage Timberline and any owner/architect-required software
• detail-oriented, proactive, and reliable
• strong organizational and planning skills
• excellent communication (written, verbal, and electronic) skills
• strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
• ability to execute solid management decisions quickly and efficiently
• ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships
• ability to adhere to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism

Responsibilities:

• providing expertise in developing project budgets, work scopes, scheduling, subcontractor bidding, bid qualifying, and recommendations for contractor awards
• working with management to develops project objectives by reviewing proposal requests and bid documentation
• determining project responsibilities by identifying project phases and elements
• preparing cost estimates using Sage Timberline estimating and eTakeoff software
• maintaining an updated cost database within the estimating system
• assisting the Project Manager in material acquisitions
• ensuring customer satisfaction by identifying and exceeding client needs
• estimating, value engineering, and developing project budgets
• hard bidding of projects, if required, based upon the Owner's procurement method for selection of a contractor
• facilitating the subcontractor bid process
• assisting the Project Manager by providing durations for project schedules
• providing estimates for project changes throughout a project duration
• managing preconstruction project costs through the ongoing evaluation of labor, material and equipment; continuing to forecast and analyze construction costs, exposures, and profits through project completion
• interacting with clients and potential clients to identify and pursue potential work
• preparing and participating in client presentations and project interviews
• providing other estimating-related services as required for a successful project

Why You Should Apply: We offer a collaborative, forward-thinking work environment where your ideas and expertise will make a real impact. This position is an excellent opportunity that promotes career development and employee success, and we're offering a competitive salary based on experience and ability. Join a team that values craftsmanship, integrity, and continuous improvement—both in our projects and in our people.