Commercial Construction Estimator - Houston

MEC General Contractors; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Health insurance

HSA

Life insurance

PTO

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Bonus opportunities

Job summary

MEC General Contractors is seeking an Estimator to take projects from design through kickoff, accurately calculating labor, materials, and equipment costs. You will review plans, prepare detailed estimates, and manage subcontractor bids to support competitive bids.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years of estimating experience, proficiency with estimating software and MS Office, and strong analytical and negotiation skills. This is an in-person full-time role in Texas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or related field is advantageous although not mandatory.
• Professional certifications (e.g., Certified Professional Estimator – CPE) are a plus.
• 2+ years of proven experience as a Commercial Construction Estimator is recommended.
• Strong proficiency in construction estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• In-depth knowledge of construction process, materials, and building codes.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and negotiation abilities to liaise with various stakeholders.
• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze project plans, specifications, and scope to determine the materials, labor, and equipment required for commercial construction projects.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates, considering materials, labor, equipment, subcontractor bids, permits, and any other project-related expenses.
• Review and assess project blueprints and drawings, identifying potential cost-saving opportunities and value engineering solutions.
• Conduct thorough quantity take-offs and cost calculations to produce detailed estimates for all project components.
• Utilize computerized estimating software and databases to generate precise estimates and track project costs.
• Intimate understanding of similar building type pricing and unit rates for labor and material.
• Understanding of fee structure based on project type, location and competition.
• Prepare and present detailed cost breakdowns, reports, and analysis to support bids and proposals.
• Work closely with the project management team to assist in budget development and cost control measures.
• Reviews project estimates performed by others prior to submission when necessary.
• Reviews subcontracts created by others prior to transmittal.
• Develop subcontract interest in projects and manage the subcontractor RFP process.
• Confer with engineers, designers, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.

Skills

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Organizational skills

Construction knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management or related

CPE certification

Job description

About

At MEC General Contractors, we're proud to be a third-generation, family-owned company with a legacy built on trust, innovation, and dedication for over 50 years. With offices in Melbourne and Orlando, Florida, and Dallas, Texas, we're strategically growing while staying true to our roots. Our core values—Family, Engineering Minded, and Passion—guide everything we do, from the way we build projects to how we treat our team. At MEC, we believe in empowering our employees, fostering a culture where your voice matters, your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported. Join us as we continue to shape communities and build a future we can all be proud of.

Job Description

An Estimator is responsible for taking a construction project from Design RFP to construction kickoff by calculating the cost of labor or materials that is required for a construction project, assisting in negotiating contract with owner or owners' rep, performing subcontractor selection and signup, and performing project handoff to selected Project Manager/Superintendent team. Ideal candidate lives in Atlanta and is willing to grow with MEC long term.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze project plans, specifications, and scope to determine the materials, labor, and equipment required for commercial construction projects.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates, considering factors such as materials, labor equipment, subcontractor bids, permits, and any other project-related expenses.
• Review and assess project blueprints and drawings, identifying potential cost-saving opportunities and value engineering solutions.
• Conduct thorough quantity take-offs and cost calculations to produce detailed estimates for all project components.
• Utilize computerized estimating software and databases to generate precise estimates and track project costs.
• Intimate understanding of similar building type pricing and unit rates for labor and material.
• Understanding of fee structure based on project type, location and competition.
• Prepare and present detailed cost breakdowns, reports, and analysis to support bids and proposals.
• Work closely with the project management team to assist in budget development and cost control measures.
• Reviews project estimates performed by others prior to submission when necessary.
• Reviews subcontracts created by others prior to transmittal.
• Develop subcontract interest in projects and manage the subcontractor RFP process.
• Confer with engineers, designers, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.

Skills And Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or related field is advantageous although not mandatory.
• Professional certifications (e.g. Certified Professional Estimator – CPE) are a plus.
• 2+ years of proven experience as a Commercial Construction Estimator is recommended.
• Strong proficiency in construction estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• In-depth knowledge of construction process, materials, and building codes.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, ensuring precise and reliable estimates.
• Effective communication and negotiation abilities to liaise with various stakeholders.
• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects required.

Job Type

Full-time

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package

• Bonus opportunities

Schedule

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location

In person

M.E. Construction, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. MEC utilizes E-Verify. US work authorization (Required)