Senior Estimator

Job Title: Estimator - Heavy Industrial/Mechanical Construction Job Description We are seeking an Estimator for an industrial mechanical contractor to lead full-cycle estimating for battery plant and data center projects. In this client-facing role, you will be responsible for building conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and competitive bids. You will focus on equipment installation, piping, rigging, and structural steel, partnering with engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams to define scope, sequencing, constructability, and pricing strategy, ultimately helping to win profitable work. Responsibilities + Lead full-cycle estimating for battery plant and data center projects. + Build conceptual budgets and detailed estimates. + Prepare competitive bids with a focus on equipment installation, piping, rigging, and structural steel. + Partner with engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams to define scope, sequencing, constructability, and pricing strategy. + Prepare and present estimates to clients and leadership. + Solicit, evaluate, and manage subcontractor and vendor proposals. + Perform quantity take-offs, labor productivity analysis, and material pricing. + Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and evaluate value engineering opportunities. + Manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously. Essential Skills + 3-5+ years of experience in construction estimating. + Strong mechanical construction experience in equipment installation, process and utility piping, and structural steel work. + Field experience in industrial construction trades. + Proficiency in interpreting drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents. + Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. + Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. + Effective communication skills for client presentations and team collaboration. + Ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience with estimating and digital takeoff software. + Understanding of industrial construction means and methods, sequencing, and constructability. + Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. + Willingness and ability to travel for site visits, pre-bid meetings, client presentations, and post-bid reviews. + Experience in risk identification and mitigation strategy development. Work Environment The role is primarily office-based in Frankfort, IL, with some flexibility for remote work. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Travel is minimal, typically a couple of day trips per month within the Midwest, with very limited overnight travel. Site visits are infrequent, under five days per month. The team is lean, consisting of approximately four estimators, and the workload is high due to growth and the launch of a new fabrication division. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frankfort, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $67.31/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 Frankfort,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 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.