Architectural Hardware Consultant (AHC) & Technical Estimator

DWS, Inc.; Newark (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing bonus

DHI tuition paid

Field kit: car allowance

Fuel card

Mobile workstation

Job summary

DWS, Inc. is seeking an Architectural Hardware Consultant (AHC) & Technical Estimator in the SF Bay Area.

The role focuses on bid accuracy, detailed takeoffs, and managing complex hardware schedules for commercial and institutional projects. As the primary contact for General Contractors and our Installer Division, you will coordinate with manufacturers for pricing, author bid packages, and ensure compliance with California codes, Title 24, and life-safety standards throughout the project

Qualifications

• DHI AHC certification preferred or senior experience with plan to certify.
• 5+ years in commercial door/hardware industry, SF Bay Area.
• Expert-level proficiency in Bluebeam and industry estimating software.
• Deep knowledge of California building and fire codes.

Responsibilities

• Perform complete, itemized takeoffs from plans and specs.
• Develop and deliver bid packages including doors, frames, hardware, and divisions 10 items.
• Coordinate with manufacturers for project-specific pricing and value engineering.
• Create and edit hardware sets and schedules using AvaWare or ProLink-like tools.
• Ensure openings comply with California Title 24, ADA, NFPA 80 and NFPA 101.
• Manage submittals, liaise with installers, and conduct field measurements and punch lists.

Skills

Technical Estimating

Bidding

Field Support

California Codes

Education

DHI AHC certification

Tools

Bluebeam

ProLink

Job description

Architectural Hardware Consultant (AHC) & Technical Estimator

Role Overview

We are seeking a DHI-certified AHC (or an advanced candidate nearing certification) to lead our project lifecycle from initial bid to final closeout. You are not just a salesperson; you are a Technical Consultant who owns the accuracy of the bid and the functionality of the opening. You will be responsible for performing high-precision takeoffs, authoring hardware schedules, and managing the bidding process for complex commercial and institutional projects. You will act as the primary point of contact for General Contractors and our internal Installer Division.

Key Responsibilities

1. Bidding & Strategic Estimating

• Technical Takeoffs: Perform complete, itemized takeoffs from architectural floor plans, door schedules, and specifications.
• Competitive Proposing: Develop and deliver comprehensive bid packages that include doors, frames, hardware, and Division 10 specialties (Partitions, Bath, Corner Guards).
• Value Engineering (VE): Analyze specs to provide "smart alternates" that reduce lead times or costs for the GC while protecting our margins.
• Special Pricing Coordination: Negotiate with manufacturers (Allegion, ASSA ABLOY, etc.) to secure project-specific pricing (SPA) for competitive bidding.
• Schedule Authoring: Create and edit detailed hardware sets and schedules using industry software (AvaWare, ProLink, or similar).
• Regulatory Oversight: Ensure every opening is 100% compliant with California Title 24, ADA, NFPA 80 (Fire), and NFPA 101 (Life Safety).
• Electrified Coordination: Specify low-voltage components (strikes, power supplies, sensors) and coordinate with security integrators to ensure field compatibility.

3. Project Management & Field Support

• Submittal Management: Prepare and manage the technical submittal process, ensuring all shop drawings and hardware cuts are approved by the Architect.
• Installer Liaison: Provide our field installers with accurate "pack-and-ship" lists and troubleshooting support for complex hardware installs.
• Site Walkthroughs: Conduct field measurements and "punch-list" reviews to ensure the final delivery meets the highest quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Certification: DHI AHC (Architectural Hardware Consultant) designation preferred (or equivalent years of experience with a plan to certify).
• Experience: 5+ years in the commercial door/hardware industry, specifically in the SF Bay Area market.
• Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Bluebeam and industry estimating software.
• Code Fluency: Deep knowledge of California-specific building and fire codes.

Compensation & Benefits (SF Bay Area)

• Base (Salary): (Based on experience and DHI status).
• Performance Bonus: Profit-sharing or commission-based incentives on awarded bids and project gross margin.
• Training: 100% company-paid DHI tuition and travel for continuing education.
• The "Field Kit": Monthly car allowance, fuel card, and high-performance mobile workstation (iPad Pro/Laptop).