Commercial Preconstruction Estimator – SoCal

Energy Jobline ZR; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cannon Building in Carlsbad, CA is seeking an Estimator to join the Preconstruction team. You will develop budgets and estimates for complex commercial projects, collaborating with preconstruction, operations, subcontractors, vendors, architects, and clients to create accurate, competitive budgets.

Ideal candidates have 1–3+ years of estimating experience and a relevant bachelor’s degree. Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, Procore, PlanSwift is desired.

Qualifications

• 1–3+ years of estimating or related commercial construction experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs and developing detailed construction cost estimates.
• Working knowledge of construction means and methods, building systems, and trade scopes.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
• Understanding of subcontractor scopes, inclusions, exclusions, and qualifications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with subcontractors, vendors, clients, design professionals, and internal project teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from construction plans and specifications.
• Develop quantity, unit-rate, and cost estimates for assigned scopes and bid packages.
• Support estimates throughout various phases of design, from preliminary budgets through final pricing.
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to understand project scope and identify potential gaps.
• Assist with estimate comparisons and variance analysis between design phases.
• Research material pricing, labor trends, and current Southern California market conditions.
• Maintain and contribute to historical cost data and preconstruction databases.
• Coordinate subcontractor and vendor proposals for assigned scopes.
• Develop bid instructions and scope information for assigned bid packages.
• Participate in job walks and pre-bid meetings to understand existing conditions, project requirements, and client needs.
• Maintain organized estimating documentation and records.

Skills

Estimating experience

Budgeting

Reading drawings

Quantity takeoffs

Subcontractor coordination

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

OST

Procore

PlanSwift

Sage

Job description

Cannon Building in Carlsbad, CA is seeking an Estimator to join the Preconstruction team. You will develop budgets and estimates for complex commercial projects, collaborating with preconstruction, operations, subcontractors, vendors, architects, and clients to create accurate, competitive budgets.

Ideal candidates have 1–3+ years of estimating experience and a relevant bachelor’s degree. Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, Procore, PlanSwift is desired.