Construction Cost Estimator: Design-to-Cost Insights

Management Solutions LLC; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with match

Job summary

Management Solutions LLC is seeking a Construction Cost Estimator with strong experience in preparing opinions of probable construction cost to support AE firms. You will work under senior estimators, take ownership of estimate components, document bases, and explain cost changes as designs progress.

The role focuses on independent estimating for design teams, with collaboration across architects, engineers, and PMs. Office-based in Knoxville with standard corporate benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of construction cost estimating experience.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and technical documents and perform accurate quantity takeoffs.
• Experience with quantity-based estimates across multiple disciplines with documented assumptions.
• Familiarity with CSI MasterFormat and cost databases like RSMeans.
• Proficiency in Excel and Word; ability to document pricing sources and assumptions.
• Experience with digital takeoff tools such as Bluebeam.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, and narratives to define estimate scope and quantify takeoffs across disciplines.
• Develop conceptual, parametric, and detailed estimates including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontract costs.
• Obtain budget pricing from vendors and compare pricing assumptions; monitor market conditions.
• Evaluate methods, labor productivity, phasing, site access, safety requirements affecting cost; assist senior estimators with contingencies.
• Prepare clear estimate details, basis of estimate narratives, and documents for client review.
• Update estimates at design milestones and reconcile changes; explain significant cost differences.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and project managers to resolve estimating questions and support VE.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Team collaboration

Interpret drawings/specs

Microsoft Excel

Word processing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in construction management/engineering or related field

Tools

RSMeans cost data

Bluebeam

Excel

Word

Job description

Management Solutions LLC is seeking a Construction Cost Estimator with strong experience in preparing opinions of probable construction cost to support AE firms. You will work under senior estimators, take ownership of estimate components, document bases, and explain cost changes as designs progress.

The role focuses on independent estimating for design teams, with collaboration across architects, engineers, and PMs. Office-based in Knoxville with standard corporate benefits.