Construction Estimator

Atlantic Group; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlantic Group in Philadelphia seeks an experienced Construction Estimator to develop detailed budgets from concept through contract award. You will review drawings and specifications, perform quantity takeoffs, and price labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors.

The role requires collaboration with project teams, vendors, and clients to ensure competitive bids and accurate cost estimates. Proficiency with Excel and estimating software is expected, and you will maintain organized bid

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in construction estimating.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural/engineering drawings and specs.
• Detailed quantity takeoffs and price development for labor, materials, and equipment.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, bid documents, and project requirements.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop material and labor estimates.
• Solicit and negotiate pricing from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
• Prepare detailed estimates, budgets, bid proposals, and cost breakdowns.
• Maintain estimating files, bid documentation, and price histories.

Skills

Estimating

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Excel

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CM/Engineering/Business

Tools

Bluebeam

Procore

Planswift

OST

Sage Estimating

BuildingConnected

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Construction Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive, and detailed estimates for construction projects from initial concept through contract award. The ideal candidate has strong construction knowledge, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to analyze plans, specifications, subcontractor pricing, and material costs to develop comprehensive project budgets.

The Estimator will work closely with project management, operations, subcontractors, vendors, clients, architects, and other stakeholders to ensure estimates are complete, competitive, and aligned with project requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and analyze architectural drawings, specifications, bid documents, scopes of work, and project requirements.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop accurate material and labor estimates.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate pricing from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
• Prepare detailed estimates, budgets, bid proposals, and cost breakdowns.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, assumptions, and potential project risks.
• Analyze subcontractor and vendor proposals for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with bid requirements.
• Develop pricing for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, general conditions, and other project costs.
• Maintain current knowledge of labor rates, material pricing, market conditions, and subcontractor availability.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project walkthroughs as required.
• Communicate with architects, engineers, owners, subcontractors, and vendors to clarify scope and resolve pricing questions.
• Assist with value-engineering opportunities and identify cost-saving alternatives without compromising quality or project requirements.
• Prepare and submit competitive bids in accordance with project deadlines.
• Maintain organized estimating files, bid documentation, historical pricing, and cost databases.
• Assist project management and operations teams with budgets, change orders, and cost analysis after project award.
• Review historical project costs and bid results to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in construction estimating.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labor, and project sequencing.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with project and operations teams.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and construction estimating software.
• Experience with platforms such as Bluebeam, Procore, Planswift, OST, Sage Estimating, BuildingConnected, or similar software is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field is preferred but not required.