Estimator

Design and Production Incorporated; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Design and Production Inc. in Lorton, VA seeks an experienced Estimator to turn multi-year, multi-million-dollar museum projects into sharp, winning numbers. You’ll translate complex specs into clear takeoffs and build airtight estimates with project managers, subs, and clients.

You bring 3–5 years in construction estimating, solid knowledge of methods and materials, and fluency with estimating software. This role rewards collaboration, precision, and staying ahead of industry trends to help win

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in construction and estimating.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and regulations.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across teams.
• Fluency with estimating software and tools.

Responsibilities

• Craft detailed, competitive cost estimates for large-scale, multi-year projects.
• Break down project specs and drawings to define scope with precision.
• Build relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.
• Collaborate with project managers to provide ongoing cost analysis throughout the project lifecycle.
• Keep estimates accurate, complete, and sharp.
• Stay ahead of industry trends to improve estimation methods.

Skills

Cost estimation

Communication

Construction knowledge

Team collaboration

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Estimator role based in Lorton, VA — Build the Numbers Behind Iconic Museum Experiences

For 75 years, Design and Production Inc. (D&P) has turned bold ideas into world-class museum experiences. Our team has helped bring exhibits like the National Museum of the United States Army and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to life — and our roots trace back to landmark projects like the original Treasures of Tutankhamen exhibit, the blockbuster that set the standard for every major exhibit since. Now we need an Estimator who can turn ambitious, multi-million-dollar projects into sharp, winning numbers.

This isn't spreadsheet busywork. You'll be the person who makes sure our boldest projects are priced to win — and built to deliver. You'll dig into complex specs and drawings, translate vision into scope, and partner with project managers, subcontractors, and clients to keep every estimate airtight from kickoff to ribbon-cutting.

What You'll Do

• Craft detailed, competitive cost estimates for large-scale, multi-year projects.
• Break down project specs and drawings to define scope with precision.
• Build real relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and clients — the kind that make projects run smoother.
• Team up with project managers to deliver ongoing cost analysis throughout the project lifecycle.
• Keep estimates accurate, complete, and sharp.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, materials, and methods — and help evolve how we estimate.

What You Bring

• 3–5 years of experience in construction and estimating.
• Solid command of construction methods, materials, and regulations.
• The people skills to build trust across teams, trades, and clients.
• Fluency with estimating software and tools.
• A collaborative mindset and sharp communication instincts.

If you love the challenge of getting the numbers right on projects that end up in national museums, military history halls, and landmark cultural institutions across the country — this is your seat at the table.