Junior Estimator

JGM; Downingtown (Chester County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision & Dental

PTO & Holidays

401(k) + Matching

Life Insurance

Short/Long-Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Generous Referral Program

Training and Further Education

Job summary

JGM is seeking an early career professional (0-3 years) to join our Downingtown, PA team as an estimator-in-training. You will work closely with senior estimators on industrial construction projects, gaining skills in steel fabrication, erection, equipment setting, and piping estimating.

The role offers structured training with a clear path toward senior estimating and leadership roles as you grow with JGM, with opportunities to travel to job sites as needed.

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of experience in construction estimating, project engineering, or a related role, including internships or co-ops.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing detailed cost estimates for industrial construction projects under guidance of senior estimators.
• Analyze project documentation (drawings, specs, RFIs) to identify scope, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
• Perform quantity take-offs and pricing for steel fabrication, erection, equipment setting, and piping.
• Support procurement with subcontractor and vendor pricing across trades.
• Collaborate with project management, engineering, and procurement for accurate scoping.

Skills

Analytical skills

Math skills

Organizational skills

Reading drawings

Education

Construction management / civil engineering degree

Tools

Bluebeam

Procore

Sage Estimating

Job description

Opportunity to build a career in the Construction field

Position Overview

JGM is seeking a motivated early career professional with 0-3 years of experience to join our growing team, working in person out of our Downingtown, PA office. This is a career-building role, not a stepping stone - JGM is expanding, and we want to invest in someone who is looking to grow their career with us for the long haul.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• A construction management or engineering degree, or a construction-related trade/technical school program - paired with an internship or co-op with a general contractor, industrial contractor, or similar.

You do not need direct industrial experience to apply; general contracting or commercial construction backgrounds are welcome, provided your education and/or internship experience is construction related.

Your hands-on training will be via, "the JGM way," working directly alongside senior estimators to build real skills in structural steel fabrication, erection, equipment setting, and piping estimating. As your experience and judgment grow, so will your responsibility and opportunities - with a clear, defined path toward advancing into senior and eventually leadership-level estimating roles as JGM continues to grow.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing detailed cost estimates for industrial construction projects, from concept through final proposal, under the guidance of senior estimators.
• Learn to analyze project documentation (drawings, specifications, RFIs) to identify scope, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
• Perform quantity take-offs and pricing for structural steel fabrication, erection, equipment setting, and piping.
• Support the solicitation, evaluation, and negotiation of subcontractor and vendor pricing across trades, including concrete/civil, electrical, and specialty subcontractors.
• Collaborate with project management, engineering, and procurement teams to ensure accurate scoping and budgeting.
• Help prepare comprehensive bid proposals, and, as skills develop, help present estimates to leadership and clients.
• Contribute ideas on cost-saving measures and alternative solutions to meet client needs.
• Build working knowledge of industry trends, material costs, and construction best practices.
• Progress toward independently owning estimates and mentoring newer team members as tenure and skill grow.

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of experience in construction estimating, project engineering, or a related role - including relevant internship or co-op experience.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in construction management, civil/structural engineering, or a related field from a college, university, or trade/technical school.
• Relevant internship or co-op experience with a general contractor, industrial contractor, or similar is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, math, and organizational skills.
• Some ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bid documents - or a strong aptitude and willingness to learn quickly.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite;(Word, Excel, Outlook PowerPoint)
• Clear, professional communication and a collaborative, coachable mindset.
• Genuine interest in building a long-term career at JGM and growing into a senior estimating role over time.
• Willingness to travel to job sites for site walk-throughs as needed

Preferences

• Familiarity with estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, Procore, Sage Estimating, or similar) is a plus - training will be provided.
• Open to candidates from general contracting, commercial, or industrial backgrounds, provided their education and/or internship experience is construction related.

Growth and Career Path

• Structured, hands-on training under senior estimators from day one - you will learn JGM estimating approach across structural steel, erection, equipment setting, and piping.
• A defined progression from Estimator to Senior Estimator and beyond, with growing project scope and responsibility as your skills develop.
• As JGM continues to expand, we are looking to grow our own future senior estimators and project leaders from within - this role is a starting point for that path.

Benefits

JGM offers a competitive wage and benefits package:

• Medical, Vision & Dental
• PTO & Holidays
• 401(k) + Matching
• Life Insurance
• Short/Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Referral Program
• Training and Further Education