CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATOR

Kwame Building Group, Inc; Bridgeton (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kwame Building Group, an aviation-focused contractor, is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our aviation team. This role develops accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates for airport terminals and related infrastructure from preconstruction through award.

The Estimator will work with project managers, engineers, and trade partners to ensure complete, competitive estimates aligned with schedules and client expectations, maintaining meticulous cost data and supporting bid reviews.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of construction estimating experience on large, aviation projects.
• Experience estimating airport terminals, concourses, or similar facilities.
• Ability to read architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing drawings.
• Strong Excel and takeoff software proficiency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and time management.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development and detailed estimates for aviation projects.
• Review drawings and contract documents to develop accurate cost breakdowns.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
• Analyze subcontractor and supplier proposals and bids.
• Develop project budgets, GMP estimates, cost models, and proposal pricing.
• Identify risks, scope gaps, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Collaborate with PMs, engineers, designers, owners and stakeholders throughout preconstruction and bidding.
• Maintain organized estimating files with historical data and assumptions.

Skills

Estimating experience

Reading drawings & specs

Excel

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelors in CM/Engineering/Arch

Tools

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

Kwame Building Group (KBG) is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our aviation team. This position will play a key role in the successful pursuit and delivery of airport terminal and aviation infrastructure projects by developing accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates from preconstruction through project award.

Position Summary

The Estimator is responsible for preparing comprehensive construction cost estimates for aviation projects, including airport terminals, concourses, parking structures, airfield improvements, and related infrastructure. The successful candidate will collaborate with project managers, engineers, design teams, subcontractors, and trade partners to ensure estimates are complete, competitive, and aligned with project requirements, schedules, and client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic design, design development, and detailed construction estimates for aviation projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, addenda, and other contract documents to develop accurate cost breakdowns.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
• Solicit, analyze, level, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Develop project budgets, bid packages, GMP estimates, cost models, and proposal pricing.
• Identify scope gaps, project risks, constructability concerns, value-engineering opportunities, and potential cost-saving solutions.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, designers, owners, and other stakeholders throughout preconstruction and bidding.
• Maintain current knowledge of construction market conditions, material pricing, labor rates, escalation, and industry trends.
• Support bid reviews, scope clarification, subcontractor negotiations, buyout, and post-bid activities.
• Maintain organized estimating files, historical cost data, assumptions, clarifications, and supporting documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of construction estimating experience, with significant experience on large, complex commercial or aviation projects.
• Demonstrated experience estimating airport terminals, concourses, parking facilities, airfield or landside infrastructure, or comparable complex facilities.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, phasing, logistics, scheduling, and cost-control principles.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and specialty-system drawings and specifications.
• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and construction estimating/takeoff software such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar platforms.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and extensive relevant estimating experience may be considered.

Preferred Aviation Experience

• Experience working on active airport projects with complex phasing and operational constraints.
• Knowledge of airport security, badging, access, and operational requirements.
• Experience with FAA-funded projects and public procurement requirements is a plus.
• Experience supporting DBE/ACDBE participation goals, subcontractor outreach, and compliance efforts is preferred.
• Experience with LEED, sustainability, or other high-performance building requirements is a plus.

KBG Expectations

• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct and adhere to KBG's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Maintain a proven track record of upholding workplace safety and the ability to abide by KBG's health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Demonstrate creativity, foresight, sound professional judgment, and the ability to successfully manage multiple projects and assignments.

Why Join KBG?

At KBG, we build more than projects- we build communities and careers. This is an opportunity to contribute to major aviation projects while working with a team committed to excellence, integrity, safety, collaboration, and the delivery of high-quality results for our clients.