Assistant Estimators

Metric DCX; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Metric DCX is seeking an Assistant Estimator to support preconstruction and cost management across a national hyperscale data center portfolio. You will work with senior estimators to build cost models, benchmark bids, and track budgets through design and construction.

This role develops estimating skills in shell, MEP, site/civil scopes and requires strong Excel, analytical thinking, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred but not mandatory; four years of relevant experience may substitute.
• Strong understanding of cost management principles, construction methods, and contract administration.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Highly articulate with a clear, analytical approach and strong decision-making abilities.
• Experience in people management and leadership is required.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; proficient with Excel.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for data center shell, MEP, and site/civil scope.
• Support quantity takeoffs and cost benchmarking against historical project data.
• Review GC and subcontractor bid packages for completeness and pricing accuracy.
• Track budget variance and change order activity throughout project lifecycle.
• Coordinate with design teams, GCs, and internal PMs to validate scope assumptions.
• Maintain and update cost databases and unit pricing libraries.
• Prepare cost comparison reports and summaries for client and internal review.

Skills

Cost management

Excel

Communication

Presentation skills

People management

Multi-project management

Problem solving

Decision making

Construction knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in QS/Construction Management or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Assistant Estimator | Hyperscale Data Center

About the Role

We're seeking an Assistant Estimator to support preconstruction and cost management efforts across a national portfolio of hyperscale data center projects. This role sits within an owner's representative organization overseeing ground-up construction for major cloud, colocation, and enterprise data center clients. You'll work alongside senior estimators and project executives to build and validate cost models, benchmark GC and trade bids, and support budget tracking through design and construction phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for data center shell, MEP, and site/civil scope
• Support quantity takeoffs and cost benchmarking against historical project data
• Review GC and subcontractor bid packages for completeness and pricing accuracy
• Track budget variance and change order activity throughout project lifecycle
• Coordinate with design teams, GCs, and internal PMs to validate scope assumptions
• Maintain and update cost databases and unit pricing libraries
• Prepare cost comparison reports and summaries for client and internal review

Qualifications

• Minimum Education (or substitute experience) required: 4-year Degree in Quantity Surveying (QS), Construction Management, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory, or a related field, plus four years or relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of cost management principles, construction methods, and contract administration
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Must be highly articulate, have clear and analytical approach to problem solving, and strong decision-making abilities
• Must have people management experience
• Must have excellent communication and presentation skills
• Must thoroughly understand and utilize Excel

Why This Role

This is a chance to build hyperscale-specific estimating experience early in your career, working directly under a national firm's preconstruction leadership on some of the largest data center builds in the country.