Estimator

Gordon Highlander; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Health, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with company contribution

Vehicle allowance

Professional development and training

Career growth opportunities

Challenging, rewarding projects

Job summary

Gordon Highlander is seeking an experienced Estimator – Tenant Improvements to join our Austin team and support commercial construction opportunities across the South Region. You will develop accurate estimates for industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, and office spaces, collaborating with clients, trade partners, and operations.

Expect to manage estimates from opportunity through final pricing, review drawings and specs, perform takeoffs, and contribute to value-engineering and pricing

Qualifications

• 4–10 years of commercial construction estimating or related experience.
• Experience with industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, or facility renovations.
• Ability to read architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
• Develop detailed estimates, bid leveling, and scope analysis.
• Strong trade‑partner relationships in the Austin market.

Responsibilities

• Manage TI estimates from initial opportunity through final pricing and turnover to Operations.
• Review drawings, specifications, existing conditions, and project requirements to develop complete estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs, bid leveling, scope reviews, and cost analysis.
• Solicit and evaluate trade‑partner pricing while maintaining relationships.
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, logistics challenges, schedule impacts, and pricing risks.
• Visit prospective project sites to evaluate existing conditions, access, phasing, and constraints.
• Develop value‑engineering solutions and clearly communicate assumptions, qualifications, and cost drivers.
• Collaborate with Preconstruction, Operations, and Field teams to ensure estimates reflect a practical approach to executing the work.
• Participate in client meetings, pricing discussions, and proposal presentations as needed.
• Provide occasional estimating support for Ground-Up and build-to-suit opportunities where TI expertise is required.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture

Job description

Gordon Highlander is seeking an experienced Estimator – Tenant Improvements to join our growing Austin team and support commercial construction opportunities across the South Region.

This is a broad TI estimating role with a significant focus on industrial and manufacturing environments, including renovations, expansions, warehouse and distribution improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and office spaces within operational facilities. You'll also support Class A office interiors, corporate fit-outs, and high-rise projects, making this a great opportunity for an estimator who enjoys variety and challenging projects.

You'll work closely with clients, trade partners, Preconstruction, and Operations to develop accurate, competitive estimates and help position projects for success from the earliest stages of an opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage TI estimates from initial opportunity and conceptual budgeting through final pricing and turnover to Operations
• Review drawings, specifications, existing conditions, and project requirements to develop complete and accurate estimates
• Perform quantity takeoffs, bid leveling, scope reviews, and cost analysis
• Solicit and evaluate trade-partner pricing while maintaining strong subcontractor and supplier relationships
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, logistics challenges, schedule impacts, and pricing risks
• Visit prospective project sites to evaluate existing conditions, access, phasing, and operational constraints
• Develop value-engineering solutions and clearly communicate assumptions, qualifications, and cost drivers
• Collaborate with Preconstruction, Operations, and Field teams to ensure estimates reflect a practical approach to executing the work
• Participate in client meetings, pricing discussions, and proposal presentations as needed
• Provide occasional estimating support for Ground-Up and build-to-suit opportunities where TI expertise is required

Qualifications & Experience

• 4–10 years of commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, project management, or related experience
• Experience with industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, or operational-facility renovations
• Ability to estimate Class A office interiors and higher-end commercial fit-outs
• Strong understanding of commercial construction systems, sequencing, logistics, and constructability
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP construction documents
• Experience with conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, bid leveling, and scope analysis
• Strong trade-partner relationships and the ability to develop new subcontractor relationships within the Austin market
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple pursuits and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness
• Willingness to travel locally and regionally for site evaluations and project meetings
• A bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred but not required. Equivalent commercial construction experience will be considered.

What We Offer

• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Vehicle allowance
• Professional development and leadership training
• Career growth opportunities with a respected and entrepreneurial construction firm
• Opportunity to work on challenging and rewarding commercial construction projects

Why Join Gordon Highlander?

At Gordon Highlander, we believe exceptional client service begins with exceptional teamwork. We are committed to fostering a culture built on collaboration, accountability, professionalism, and service. Every Highlander plays an important role in our success, and we value individuals who bring energy, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others.

If you're looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing your career in a supportive environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Gordon Highlander does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, recruiters, or third-party representatives. Any resumes submitted without a current, executed agreement and written authorization from Gordon Highlander to recruit for this specific position will be considered the property of Gordon Highlander, and no placement fees or compensation will be paid.

Gordon Highlander is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.