Construction Estimator

Atlantic Group; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlantic Group is seeking an experienced Senior Construction Estimator to lead cost estimation for commercial, industrial, and residential projects. You will review plans, perform takeoffs, evaluate pricing from subcontractors, and prepare comprehensive bids and proposals.

You will collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, and suppliers to define scope, manage estimating activities, and support successful project acquisition.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of construction estimating experience with a general contractor or construction management firm.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and construction estimating software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to manage multiple estimates and deadlines.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret construction drawings and specifications across disciplines (architectural, structural, civil, MEP).
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project needs.
• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimates through the project lifecycle.
• Solicit, analyze, and level subcontractor and vendor bids for competitive pricing.
• Prepare bid packages, scopes of work, and requests for quotations.
• Identify risks, exclusions, assumptions, allowances, and potential cost impacts.
• Conduct value-engineering reviews to find cost-saving opportunities without compromising requirements.
• Develop estimates, bid summaries, and proposal documents for management review.
• Coordinate with project managers, architects, engineers, and clients to clarify scope and requirements.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, subcontractor meetings, and project turnover meetings.

Skills

Construction estimating

Excel proficiency

Reading drawings

Bid development

Project coordination

Communication

Analytical skills

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Construction Estimator to lead the preparation of accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial, industrial, and/or residential construction projects. The Senior Estimator will review plans and specifications, develop detailed quantity takeoffs, obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing, and prepare comprehensive bids and proposals.

This position will work closely with project managers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and company leadership to identify project requirements, manage estimating activities, and support successful project acquisition.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret architectural, structural, civil, MEP, and other construction drawings and specifications.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project requirements.
• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimates throughout the project development process.
• Solicit, analyze, and level subcontractor and vendor bids to ensure competitive and accurate pricing.
• Prepare bid packages, scopes of work, and requests for quotations.
• Identify project risks, exclusions, assumptions, allowances, and potential cost impacts.
• Conduct value-engineering reviews and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining project requirements.
• Develop detailed estimates, bid summaries, and proposal documents for management review.
• Coordinate with project managers, operations teams, architects, engineers, and clients to clarify scope and project requirements.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, subcontractor meetings, and project turnover meetings.
• Maintain current knowledge of labor rates, material costs, subcontractor pricing, market conditions, and construction trends.
• Track historical project costs and maintain estimating databases for future bids.
• Assist with developing project schedules, preliminary budgets, and cash-flow projections when required.
• Review contracts, addenda, specifications, and revisions for potential cost impacts.
• Ensure estimates are completed accurately and within established bid deadlines.
• Provide estimating support during negotiations and assist with contract award and project handoff.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior estimators and estimating staff.
• Maintain organized estimating files and documentation in accordance with company procedures.

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of construction estimating experience with a general contractor or construction management firm.
• Strong knowledge of construction means, methods, materials, and sequencing.
• Ability to independently estimate projects from conceptual design through final bid.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
• Strong understanding of subcontractor scopes and construction trade requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and construction estimating software.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and competing deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with project teams and leadership.