Construction Estimator for Complex Commercial Projects

Cannon Building; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cannon Building is seeking an Estimator to join our Preconstruction team in Carlsbad, CA, to develop budgets and estimates for complex commercial projects across Southern California. You will collaborate with Preconstruction, Operations, subcontractors, vendors, architects, and clients to produce accurate, competitive budgets.

This full-time role offers growth within our respected General Contractor and hands-on experience on demanding construction environments in Southern California.

Qualifications

• 1–3+ years of estimating or related commercial construction experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs and developing detailed construction cost estimates.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from construction plans and specifications.
• Develop quantity, unit-rate, and cost estimates for bid packages.
• Support estimates through design phases from preliminary budgets to final pricing.
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to understand project scope and identify 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.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

OST

Procore

PlanSwift

Sage

Job description

Location: Carlsbad, CA | Southern California

Estimator

Location: Carlsbad, CA | Southern California

Employment Type: Full-Time | Salaried Exempt

Salary: $95,000–$120,000

Build Your Career with Cannon Building

Cannon Building is growing, and we’re looking for an Estimator to join our Preconstruction team in Carlsbad, CA.

As an Estimator, you’ll play an important role in developing budgets and estimates for complex commercial construction projects throughout Southern California. You’ll work closely with our Preconstruction and Operations teams, subcontractors, vendors, architects, engineers, and clients to help turn project concepts into accurate, competitive, and buildable budgets.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator looking to grow their career within a respected General Contractor and gain hands-on experience across some of the most demanding construction environments in Southern California.

What You’ll Do

Estimating & Preconstruction

• 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.

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

• Solicit pricing and budgeting information from subcontractors and vendors.
• Coordinate subcontractor and vendor proposals for assigned scopes.
• Review and level bids, identifying inclusions, exclusions, qualifications, and scope gaps.
• 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.

Value Engineering & Cost Analysis

• Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost savings.
• Assist with cost comparisons and value engineering analysis.
• Support buyout and lump-sum bid pursuits.
• Communicate cost impacts, risks, scope changes, and market conditions to the project team.

Project & Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Preconstruction, Project Management, and Operations teams to incorporate construction means, methods, logistics, and project-specific conditions into estimates.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, ownership teams, and other project stakeholders.
• Participate in estimate reviews, scope meetings, pre-bid meetings, and internal estimating discussions.
• Maintain organized estimating documentation and records.
• Support a collaborative, team-oriented environment focused on quality and accuracy.
  

What We’re Looking For

• 1–3+ years of estimating or related commercial construction experience, preferably within a General Contractor environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• 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.
  

Construction Software Experience

Experience with any of the following is preferred:

Excel | Bluebeam | OST | Procore | PlanSwift | Sage | Similar Estimating Platforms

Our Markets

Cannon Building works across a diverse range of complex commercial projects, including:

Life Sciences | Healthcare | Commercial | Institutional | Industrial

Experience in Life Sciences, Healthcare, or commercial construction is a plus.

Why Cannon Building?

Cannon Building is a leading Southern California General Contractor committed to delivering high-quality, cost-effective construction solutions while maintaining an uncompromising standard of safety and quality.

We’re proud to be a family-owned company celebrating 30 years in business. Our culture is built around:

Teamwork • Inclusiveness • Growth • Leadership • Creativity

We empower our employees to take ownership of their careers, develop their skills, and contribute to meaningful projects. We believe in working together, supporting one another, and celebrating the success of our clients and our team.

Our Mission: To develop long-term working relationships by providing premier commercial construction services.

Our Vision: To efficiently deliver quality projects with the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Our Values: Professional. Ethical. Innovative. Accountable.

More Than Just a Job

At Cannon Building, we believe our people are our greatest investment. We offer a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

If you’re looking for a company where you can build your career, take ownership, work alongside a strong team, and contribute to exciting projects, Cannon Building may be the right fit for you.

Ready to Build Your Future?

If you’re a detail-oriented Estimator who enjoys construction, problem-solving, collaboration, and working on complex projects, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Cannon Building and be part of a team that’s been building relationships and exceptional projects for 30 years.