Estimator

Actalent; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 79,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead full-cycle estimating for industrial mechanical contractor projects, including battery plants and data centers. The role emphasizes equipment installation, piping, rigging, and structural steel, with collaboration across engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams to define scope and pricing strategy.

You will present estimates to clients and leadership, perform take-offs, analyze labor productivity, and manage subcontractor proposals, while

Qualifications

• Minimum 35 years of estimating experience in industrial construction.
• Strong mechanical construction background with experience in equipment installation, piping, and structural steel.
• Proficiency in interpreting drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and estimating software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Build conceptual budgets and detailed estimates.
• Prepare competitive bids focusing on equipment installation, piping, rigging, and structural steel.
• Collaborate with engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams to define scope, sequencing, constructability, and pricing strategy.
• Prepare and present estimates to clients and leadership.
• Perform quantity take-offs, labor productivity analysis, and material pricing.
• Solicit, evaluate, and manage subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and evaluate value engineering opportunities.
• Manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

Skills

Estimating

Industrial construction

Drawings & specs

Analytical thinking

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

Job description

Job Title: Senior Estimator Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Estimator for an industrial mechanical contractor to lead full-cycle estimating across battery plant and data center projects. The role involves building conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and competitive bids, with a strong focus on equipment installation, piping, rigging, and structural steel. This client-facing position requires collaboration with engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams to define scope, sequencing, constructability, and pricing strategy to help win profitable work.

Responsibilities

• Build conceptual budgets and detailed estimates.
• Prepare competitive bids with a focus on equipment installation, piping, rigging, and structural steel.
• Collaborate with engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams to define scope, sequencing, constructability, and pricing strategy.
• Prepare and present estimates to clients and leadership.
• Perform quantity take-offs, labor productivity analysis, and material pricing.
• Solicit, evaluate, and manage subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and evaluate value engineering opportunities.
• Manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

Essential Skills

• 35+ years of estimating experience in industrial construction.
• Strong mechanical construction background with experience in equipment installation, process and utility piping, and structural steel work.
• Proficiency in interpreting drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and estimating software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Field experience in industrial construction trades is a strong asset.
• Experience performing quantity take-offs and labor productivity analysis.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Willingness to travel for site visits, pre-bid meetings, client presentations, and post-bid reviews.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based in Frankfort, IL, with standard hours from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Travel is minimal, typically involving a couple of day trips per month within the Midwest, with very limited overnight travel. Site visits are infrequent, under 5 days per month. Some flexibility for remote work exists but is not structured. The team is lean, consisting of approximately four estimators, and the workload is high due to company growth and the launch of a new fabrication division.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frankfort, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $67.31/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 benefitsEmployee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frankfort, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Frankfort,IL. 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.