CSA Estimator (Hybrid)

Actalent; Huntsville (AL); Remote; USD 66,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Quarterly travel to Indianapolis

Medical, dental & vision

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a CSA Estimator for a remote role based near Huntsville, AL, with quarterly travel to Indianapolis. You will develop detailed cost estimates for civil, structural, and architectural scopes on large capital projects, collaborating with engineers, architects, and procurement teams.

Requirements include 5+ years of estimating experience, a relevant engineering/construction degree, and proficiency with RS Means and estimating software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or equivalent.
• 5+ years cost estimating experience for civil, structural, and architectural scopes.
• Experience using RS Means or similar cost databases.
• Proficiency in preconstruction planning, bidding and cost analysis.
• Ability to interpret blueprints and construction documents accurately.

Responsibilities

• Analyze blueprints and design documents to prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs to support accurate cost calculations.
• Apply union and trade cost standards for realistic estimates.
• Develop final should-cost estimates to validate trade submissions.
• Reconcile bid submissions with scope, market conditions and budget.
• Conduct bid evaluations to identify cost-effective options.
• Source pricing data from contractors, suppliers and databases.
• Collaborate with architects and engineers to clarify scope and intent.
• Support senior staff in improving estimating processes.
• Maintain organized project documentation and cost data library.
• Adapt to fast-paced environment and changing project requirements.

Skills

Cost estimating

Quantity takeoffs

Blueprint interpretation

Bid evaluations

Budgeting

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project collaboration

Problem solving

Preconstruction planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction

Tools

RS Means

Accubid

Bluebeam

NECA tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Title: CSA EstimatorJob Description

The CSA Estimator develops detailed cost estimates for civil, structural, and architectural scope across complex capital construction projects. This role partners closely with engineering, procurement, and construction teams to support accurate budgeting, risk mitigation, and competitive proposal development for large, long-term programs. The position offers significant exposure to major contractors and consultants, strong growth potential, and the opportunity to contribute to high-profile semiconductor and regional projects.

Responsibilities

• Analyze blueprints and other design documents to prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for civil, structural, and architectural work.
• Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs from available design documents to support precise cost calculations.
• Apply knowledge of union and trade construction cost standards to ensure realistic and compliant estimates.
• Develop final “should cost” estimates to validate trade cost submissions and confirm fair and competitive pricing.
• Reconcile trade bid submissions with project scope, market conditions, and overall budget, ensuring alignment and consistency.
• Conduct thorough bid evaluations to assess contractor proposals and identify the most cost-effective and compliant options.
• Source accurate and current pricing data from contractors, suppliers, and industry databases to maintain up-to-date cost information.
• Collaborate closely with architects and engineers to understand project scope, clarify design intent, and build strong relationships with A/E firms and project teams.
• Support senior staff in identifying and implementing efficiency improvements in estimating processes and project delivery.
• Prepare cost reconciliations between multiple estimates and clearly explain cost variances to stakeholders.
• Maintain organized project documentation and file structures in accordance with company standards and best practices.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the cost data library to support consistent and reliable estimating across projects.
• Adapt effectively to a fast-paced environment and respond quickly to changes in scope, schedule, or project requirements.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience in cost estimating for civil, structural, and architectural scopes or closely related disciplines.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or an equivalent discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Strong experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and using RS Means or similar cost databases.
• Proficiency in construction estimation, including preconstruction planning, bidding, and cost analysis.
• Ability to interpret and analyze blueprints and other construction documents accurately.
• Understanding of union and trade construction cost standards and how they impact project pricing.
• Experience with bid evaluations and reconciliation of trade bids with project scope and budget.
• Proficiency with IT tools including Microsoft Windows OS, Adobe Acrobat, and the Microsoft Office Suite (such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to work with web-based platforms and digital tools commonly used in construction and estimation workflows.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills applied to complex cost and scope challenges.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, including the capacity to explain cost variances and estimate assumptions clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and manage changing project requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in civil construction, concrete structures, and steel structures.
• Background in construction management or preconstruction activities.
• Familiarity with electrical estimation and related construction disciplines.
• Hands-on experience with estimating software such as Accubid, Acubid, Bluebeam, NECA tools, or similar platforms.
• Experience supporting large capital construction projects with long-term timelines.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a global organization supporting multiple sectors and regional projects.
• Willingness to travel quarterly to Indianapolis, IN when working remotely from the primary project location.

Work Environment

This is a remote role with the requirement to reside in the Huntsville area to enable travel to the project site as needed. The position supports a large, long-term capital construction project expected to continue for several years, providing sustained involvement in complex work. The role offers significant exposure to many leading contractors and consultants in the Huntsville market and supports a major semiconductor facility as well as other local and regional projects. The broader organization operates globally across multiple sectors, providing opportunities to transition between projects as workloads shift. Work is performed primarily using digital tools and estimating software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, web-based platforms, and specialized estimating applications such as Accubid and Bluebeam. Occasional travel, including quarterly trips to Indianapolis, may be required for remote candidates. The environment emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with a focus on accurate cost control, organized documentation, and effective communication with multidisciplinary project teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Huntsville, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $57.69/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.