Estimator (Construction Company)

Job Title: Construction Estimator

This Estimator role focuses on preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates and bid proposals for commercial construction projects throughout the Chicago market. You will review drawings and specifications, perform quantity takeoffs, and support the full bid process from project review through submission. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with project managers, operations teams, and field personnel while developing a long-term career in estimating and preconstruction within a supportive, family-oriented construction company.

Prepare detailed cost estimates and competitive bid proposals for commercial construction projects across the Chicago market.

• Review construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents to perform accurate quantity takeoffs.
• Solicit, analyze, and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure comprehensive and competitive bids.
• Support senior estimators throughout the bid process, from initial project review through final bid submission.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client meetings as required to gather project information and clarify scope.
• Collaborate with project managers, operations teams, and field personnel to confirm scope alignment and constructability.
• Identify potential scope gaps, cost risks, and value engineering opportunities to improve project competitiveness and profitability.
• Maintain current knowledge of local market pricing, labor rates, and construction trends to ensure accurate estimates.
• Evaluate subcontractor scopes and ensure coverage of all required work, including coordination between trades.
• 3-5 years of experience in estimating, project engineering, project coordination, or commercial construction.
• Experience estimating public sector construction projects, including work with agencies such as the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Capital Development Board (CDB), and Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), preferred.
• Federal project estimating experience is a plus.
• Ability to review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, project sequencing, and subcontractor scope evaluation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency with estimating software platforms such as Procore, Timberline, and Viewpoint.
• Experience with construction scheduling and change order processes.
• Background in general contracting, construction management, and project management.
• Experience with federal construction, residential construction, glazing, subcontractor management, and carpentry is beneficial.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with general contractors and on a variety of project types, including hospitality, education, transportation, government, healthcare, and institutional sectors.
• Comfort working with both public sector and federal project requirements.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project managers, operations teams, field personnel, and subcontractors.
• Interest in building a long-term career with a small, family-oriented construction organization.

The Estimator will primarily report to a field office near O'Hare, with flexibility to work from the main office at times. The role involves regular travel within the city for pre-bid meetings and site walks, with mileage reimbursement provided for specific job site visits. You will work closely with a small, second-generation family construction business that emphasizes a non-corporate, collaborative environment and supports projects across sectors such as hospitality, education, transportation, government, healthcare, and institutional work. The company promotes a long-term career path in estimating and preconstruction, offering the opportunity to partner closely with leadership and operations teams while using modern construction and estimating tools, including Microsoft Excel and leading estimating software platforms.

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

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.

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)

Application Deadline

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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 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.