Estimator

Job Title: Estimator

Job Description

As an Estimator, you will assist in preparing detailed cost estimates and bid proposals for commercial construction projects throughout the Chicago market. Your role involves reviewing construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents to perform accurate quantity takeoffs. You will solicit, analyze, and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations and support senior estimators during the bid process from project review through submission. Additionally, you will attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client meetings as required, track bid schedules, deadlines, and estimating documentation, and collaborate with project managers, operations teams, and field personnel to ensure scope alignment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and bid proposals for commercial construction projects.

• Review construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents for accurate quantity takeoffs.

• Solicit, analyze, and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations.

• Support senior estimators during the bid process from project review through submission.

• Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client meetings as required.

• Track bid schedules, deadlines, and estimating documentation.

• Collaborate with project managers, operations teams, and field personnel to ensure scope alignment.

• Identify potential scope gaps, cost risks, and value engineering opportunities.

• Maintain current knowledge of local market pricing, labor rates, and construction trends.

Essential Skills

• 3-5 years of experience in estimating, project engineering, project coordination, or commercial construction.

• Experience estimating public sector construction projects preferred, including work with agencies such as the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Capital Development Board (CDB), and Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA).

• Proficiency in construction project management, estimation, construction scheduling, and subcontractor management.

• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, project sequencing, and subcontractor scope evaluation.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating software platforms.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.

• Federal project estimating experience is a plus.

• Experience preparing estimates across multiple construction trades and scopes.

Work Environment

Project Managers will report to their field office with the flexibility to also work from the main office at times. The role requires 5 days on-site at O'Hare when the project kicks off, specifically working on underground tunnel projects at O'Hare. The company offers a small, family-oriented environment with opportunities for long-term career growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Plaines, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $64.90/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 fully onsite position in Des Plaines,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 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.