Construction Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Construction Estimator

Location: Tempe, AZ
Employment Type: Full-Time

What You’ll Be Part Of

You’ll be part of a growing construction team supporting advanced semiconductor manufacturing projects. This work involves high-purity process piping, process utilities, chemical distribution systems, and prefabricated construction solutions where accurate estimating and strong technical judgment make a real difference.

This is a hands-on estimating role for someone who understands that a good estimate is more than putting numbers to a project. You’ll help define scope, identify risks, improve constructability, and develop practical solutions that support successful project execution.

Why This Role Matters

Your estimates help determine how projects are planned, priced, and ultimately built. By understanding the drawings, materials, labor requirements, installation challenges, and opportunities for prefabrication, you’ll help create projects that are competitive, profitable, and realistic to execute.

You’ll also work directly with customers, project management, operations, and technical teams to identify better ways to build, reduce field labor, improve installation quality, and keep projects moving efficiently.

What You’ll DoEstimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for semiconductor process piping, plumbing, and process utility projects

• Analyze project drawings, specifications, P&IDs, and contract documents to develop complete project scopes

• Interpret incomplete customer drawings, define written assumptions, create initial bid packages, and present BOQ files to customers

• Perform quantity takeoffs for piping systems, valves, fittings, instrumentation, supports, and related materials

• Separate BIM and takeoff models into spool drawings for off-site pre-manufacturing

• Develop labor, equipment, subcontractor, and material cost estimates using established standards and experience

• Evaluate project risks and incorporate appropriate contingencies

• Participate in estimate reviews with executive leadership and operations

• Develop competitive estimates that support a strong project win rate while maintaining profitability objectives

• Partner with customers during project development to identify value engineering opportunities, improve constructability, reduce installation costs, and optimize project execution without compromising quality or performance

• Support proposal development by preparing scope clarifications, assumptions, exclusions, value engineering recommendations, and executive-level estimate presentations

Technical Estimating

• Develop estimates using extensive knowledge of semiconductor process piping systems

• Apply knowledge of process utility systems, chemical distribution systems, and mechanical construction methods

• Account for industry and customer specifications, installation sequencing, fabrication methods, quality requirements, and constructability

• Utilize 3D models, BIM, and digital construction tools to improve estimating accuracy and project planning when available

• Interpret and review P&IDs, mechanical drawings, isometric drawings, equipment layouts, process flow diagrams, and customer specifications

• Use estimating software and systems to support accurate project development

• Break down customer prints and models to clearly define piping types, lengths, and installation complexity

Customer & Project Collaboration

• Participate in customer meetings and pre-bid discussions

• Conduct project site walks to validate project scope and identify estimating risks

• Evaluate existing conditions, construction constraints, installation complexity, and opportunities for prefabrication and off-site manufacturing during customer site walks

• Clarify customer requirements and resolve scope questions

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships

• Coordinate closely with project management and field operations to ensure project assumptions are accurate

Process Improvement

• Develop standardized estimating procedures and best practices

• Use advanced Microsoft Excel to improve estimating efficiency and consistency

• Assist in developing and implementing automated estimating tools and workflows

• Build and maintain estimating databases for labor units, material costs, and historical project data

• Identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy through technology and automation

Chemical Equipment & Off-Site Manufacturing

Experience with the following is valuable:

• Chemical delivery systems

• Chemical equipment fabrication

• Modular process equipment

• Off-site manufacturing

• Design-build project execution

• Collaborate with technical and manufacturing teams to identify fabrication opportunities that reduce field labor, improve installation quality, and accelerate project schedules

What We’re Looking ForRequired Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating experience within semiconductor construction process piping

• Demonstrated expertise in semiconductor piping systems, including specifications, materials, installation methods, and quality requirements

• Strong understanding of P&IDs, site walks, project constructability, mechanical drawings, and process utility systems

• Extensive experience estimating high-purity piping, mechanical piping, process piping, and plumbing systems

• Strong customer communication and relationship management skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency, including development of estimating models, automated calculations, dashboards, and analytical reporting tools

• Experience developing estimating spreadsheets, templates, and automated estimating tools

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline

• Experience estimating chemical delivery equipment and process systems

• Background in chemical system design and build

• Experience with modular fabrication and off-site manufacturing

• Familiarity with ERP and estimating software platforms

• Knowledge of Lean Construction and continuous improvement methodologies

What Will Help You Succeed

• Strong semiconductor construction and process piping expertise

• Solid understanding of mechanical and process utility systems

• Strong construction estimating and cost analysis skills

• Ability to perform accurate quantity takeoffs

• Strong P&ID interpretation skills

• Technical problem-solving ability

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

• Interest in process automation and technology

• Strong communication and collaboration skills

• Excellent attention to detail

• A continuous improvement mindset

Benefits

• Competitive compensation

• Full health benefits including medical, dental, and vision

• Paid time off and paid holidays

• Growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization

• Opportunity to work on advanced semiconductor construction projects

About Saltera HR

Saltera HR is proud to partner with organizations who share our belief that people matter—and that opportunity, fairness, and respect belong in every workplace. We recruit, represent, and refer candidates based solely on qualifications, experience, and alignment with our clients' needs. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We are not the employer of record for this position. Our role is to represent both the client and the candidate with professionalism, integrity, and respect throughout the recruitment process.