Estimator

6AM City, LLC; Kentucky; On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

6AM City, LLC is seeking an experienced Estimator to develop accurate conceptual through detailed cost estimates for a wide range of commercial construction projects in Kentucky. The role includes leading quantity takeoffs, managing subcontractor bids, and organizing estimates by CSI divisions to ensure competitive pricing and well‑documented outcomes.

The ideal candidate has 5–10 years of estimating experience with commercial contractors, proficiency in Autodesk Forma and ProEst, advanced Excel

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; relevant experience may substitute for formal education.
• 5–10 years estimating experience with commercial GC or equivalent.
• Proven ability to prepare conceptual through detailed estimates for renovations, tenant improvements, site/civil and MEP scopes.
• Demonstrated proficiency across CSI Divisions 02–33, including MEP coordination.
• Strong command of quantity takeoff techniques and bid-day organization.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual through construction document estimates for commercial projects.
• Develop alternates and value‑engineering options to improve cost efficiency.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP scopes.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals to ensure complete coverage.
• Lead and coordinate pre‑bid requests and incorporate addenda into estimates.
• Present cost information and recommendations to stakeholders during preconstruction.

Skills

Estimating software

Autodesk Forma

ProEst

Excel

Quantity takeoffs

Bid development

Preconstruction support

CSI divisions 02‑33

Cost databases

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

Tools

Autodesk Forma

ProEst

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Estimator

Job Description

This Estimator role focuses on developing accurate conceptual through detailed estimates for a wide range of commercial construction projects, including renovations, tenant improvements, site and civil work, structural packages, and MEP‑intensive scopes. The Estimator will lead quantity takeoffs, manage subcontractor bidding and scope leveling, and build complete estimates organized by CSI division. This position plays a key role in supporting preconstruction efforts from early pricing through award and turnover, ensuring projects are competitively priced, well‑documented, and aligned with client and project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, construction document, and guaranteed maximum price estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Develop alternates and value‑engineering options that improve cost efficiency while maintaining design intent and project quality.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP scopes using plans, specifications, and related documents.
• Identify scope gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies in drawings and specifications and communicate them clearly to the project team.
• Solicit, scope, and level subcontractor and supplier proposals across all trades to ensure complete and competitive coverage.
• Evaluate and compare subcontractor bids, confirm inclusions and exclusions, and address clarifications and assumptions with bidders.
• Build comprehensive estimate summaries and schedules of values, organized by CSI division and project phase.
• Document and present estimate assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, contingencies, and risk items to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain, update, and improve cost databases, unit prices, assemblies, and historical benchmarks to enhance estimating accuracy.
• Lead and coordinate pre‑bid requests for information, review addenda, and incorporate changes into estimates in a timely manner.
• Provide constructability, means‑and‑methods, and sequencing input during preconstruction to help optimize project delivery.
• Partner closely with project managers to support smooth turnover from preconstruction to operations, including buy‑out strategy and budget tracking.
• Contribute to schedule‑based estimating by aligning quantities and costs with project phasing, milestones, and logic.
• Support owner and design team meetings by presenting cost information, options, and recommendations clearly and professionally.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, and design professionals throughout the estimating and preconstruction process.

Essential Skills

• 5–10 years of estimating experience with a commercial general contractor or equivalent construction organization.
• Proven ability to prepare conceptual through detailed estimates for commercial renovations, tenant improvements, site/civil work, structural packages, and MEP‑intensive scopes.
• Demonstrated proficiency across CSI Divisions 02–33, including coordination and integration of MEP scopes.
• Strong command of quantity takeoff techniques and scope leveling for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP trades.
• Track record of effective bid‑day organization, including managing multiple subcontractor bids and last‑minute changes.
• Hands‑on experience using estimating software and digital tools for commercial construction.
• Proficiency with Autodesk Forma for model‑based or design‑integrated estimating workflows.
• Proficiency with ProEst or similar estimating platforms to develop, organize, and report estimates.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, data organization, and reporting for estimating and cost analysis.
• Solid understanding of building codes, permitting processes, and requirements related to Ohio public and private projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear estimate documentation and reports.
• Ability to lead preconstruction discussions, present cost options, and negotiate effectively with subcontractors and suppliers.
• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work under deadlines in a bid‑driven environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred; relevant experience may substitute for formal education.
• Experience with commercial construction management processes, including preconstruction, buy‑out, and budget tracking.
• Exposur