Estimator

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Position Description

UNISTRESS CORPORATION

Estimator - Precast & Prestressed Concrete

Department Commercial / Estimating Reports To Estimating Manager Location Pittsfield, MA (Unistress corporate office). Entry-level candidates work on-site in Pittsfield; experienced candidates may be considered for a hybrid or remote-eligible arrangement, with periodic travel for job-site visits, pre-bid walks, and customer/engineering meetings. Focus Primary: infrastructure and bridge construction • Secondary: precast parking structures Status Full-time, exempt

Position Summary

The Estimator is responsible for converting submitted project drawings and specifications into accurate, production-ready cost estimates for precast and prestressed concrete scopes of work. This role bridges engineering, production, and commercial functions by breaking down design drawings into discrete, produceable precast pieces, quantifying material and production requirements, and assembling complete, defensible estimates. The Estimator works closely with the Sales team to support revenue generation in infrastructure and bridge construction projects, while also providing estimating support for precast parking structures.

Key Responsibilities

Drawing Review & Takeoff

• Review submitted contract drawings, shop drawings, specifications, and engineering criteria to fully understand project scope and design intent.
• Break down drawings into discrete, produceable precast and prestressed concrete pieces, identifying piece types, quantities, dimensions, and configurations.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs (concrete volume, reinforcing/prestressing steel, embeds, connections, and formwork requirements) to support cost buildup.
• Identify constructability considerations, production constraints, and non-standard or high-risk items that may affect cost, schedule, or plant capacity.

Estimate Development

• Assemble complete cost estimates from takeoff data, including materials, labor, production, transportation/logistics, erection (where applicable), and subcontracted scope.
• Apply appropriate unit costs, production rates, waste factors, and historical cost data to build accurate, competitive estimates.
• Incorporate risk considerations into pricing - including material lead times, weather-sensitive production schedules, and supplier variability - consistent with the company's pre-bid risk assessment practices.
• Prepare clear, organized estimate summaries and backup documentation suitable for internal review and customer submission.
• Serve as the technical point of contact for engineering questions arising during the estimating phase, working directly with customers to clarify design intent and scope.
• Draft and track Requests for Information (RFIs) to customers, design engineers, and owners' representatives, driving each to timely resolution to ensure the estimate reflects a complete, accurate, and defensible scope prior to submission.
• Identify scope requiring subcontracted services, sub-assemblies, or supplied components (e.g., specialty hardware, coatings, geotechnical or foundation work, trucking/erection subcontractors) ensuring costs are accurate for the overall estimate.
• Maintain organized documentation of the full estimating process through revisions with supporting documentation.
• Partner with the Sales team throughout the pursuit and proposal process, providing technical and cost input to support win strategy.
• Support Sales in customer-facing discussions on scope, pricing basis, and engineering clarifications as needed.
• Provide estimating support across project types as workload requires, with primary emphasis on infrastructure/bridge work and secondary support on parking structures.

Career Growth

This role is designed to build broad, cross-functional knowledge of Unistress's projects, customers, and production capabilities - exposure that positions strong performers for growth into Sales, Operations, or Project Management roles as their experience and interests develop.

Position Requirements

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Degree in Civil, Structural, or Construction Engineering, Construction Management (or related field) preferred; equivalent combination of education and hands-on precast/construction industry experience will be considered.
• Experience in precast/prestressed concrete, structural engineering, construction estimating, or a related field is a plus - candidates across experience levels are encouraged to apply.
• Unistress is willing to invest in developing the right candidate into this role given the specialized nature of the position and the limited pool of directly experienced candidates.
• Entry-level candidates work on-site at the Pittsfield, MA corporate office to support hands-on training and development; experienced candidates may be considered for a hybrid or remote-eligible work arrangement.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to read and interpret structural drawings, shop drawings, and specifications, and translate them into discrete production items.
• Working knowledge of precast/prestressed concrete design and production methods, or a strong aptitude and willingness to learn plant processes.
• Proficiency reading and working from drawings in AutoCAD and Revit formats; comfort with estimating or takeoff tools (training provided on company-standard platforms).
• Collaborative mindset - works effectively across Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Operations, and outside subcontractors/suppliers toward a shared, accurate estimate.

We are a drug and alcohol-free workplace. Unistress participates in the E-Verify Program and is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employee.

OUR LEGACY: In 1910, 16-year-old Basilio Petricca stepped off the boat from Italy onto New York's Ellis Island. In 1936, he dove head-first into the cutthroat Depression-era contracting industry and founded the first transit mixed concrete company in the Northeast. After Basilio's death, his son Basil built on his father's legacy and founded Unistress in 1968. Today, in its third generation of family leadership, Perri Petricca has built Unistress to become one of the largest precast companies in North America, all while upholding Basilio's and Basil's uncompromising values and work ethic.

OUR VISION: Unistress will be the Precast Partner of Choice in the Northeast by delivering unmatched value to our customers from planning through operation. Our focus: innovative solutions; exceptional service and the most efficient and responsive project delivery system.

OUR MISSION: Unistress provides precast/prestressed concrete structures to partners who value our ability to take on their most challenging projects; providing innovative solutions, helping them through design, construction and operation and delivering on our commitments. We have extraordinary people and state of the art facilities which we leverage across products and markets to achieve profitable growth.

OUR VALUES:

• Our success, and our reputation, is based on the quality of all our relationships always built on mutual respect.
• We always deliver on our promises and adhere to the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.
• We support an extraordinary and diverse team of people who work hard, love a challenge and are determined to be the best.
• We protect the health and safety of our people and preserve the environment around us.
• We are engaged in our community, sharing the knowledge, creativity and commitment of our people to ensure a better quality of life for our neighbors.

Foundational Core Competencies

Builds trust and respect. Places a high value on collaboration. Is easy to approach and talk to; is empathic and a good listener; relates well to all people throughout the organization. Is viewed as a leader and a team player.

Communicates and acts with honesty and transparency, even in difficult situations. Shares information appropriately. Embraces f feedback and listens openly to it, and offers feedback in a constructive and positive manner.

Customer-focused. Is dedicated to meeting and exceeding the expectations of customers to support our goal of being the best precast company. Builds relationships with employees, management and customers.

Action-oriented . Acts with a sense of urgency, and with the end result in mind. Prioritizes workload and projects and eliminates roadblocks. Uses time effectively.

Takes personal accountability for areas of responsibility. Can be counted on to deliver results that are timely, and meet expectations for safety, quality and quantity.

Communication skills (oral and written). Ability to convey information and ideas in a variety of settings.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Unistress Corp. does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or any other characteristic protected by law in all terms and conditions of employment. We respect and seek to empower everyone and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce.