Estimator

Kintec Search; New York (NY); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Kintec Search is partnering with a New York general contractor to appoint an Estimator to work directly with the construction leadership in Long Island City. This is a full-time, office-based role with a strong focus on converting drawings into detailed budgets and clear scopes for affordable housing and multifamily projects.

The role involves reviewing architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, performing quantity takeoffs, obtaining subcontractor quotes, and updating budgets as designs

Qualifications

• Experience with NYC multifamily residential or affordable housing projects.
• Knowledge of gut rehabilitation, adaptive reuse or residential conversions.
• Strong ability to read architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
• Experience with takeoffs, budgeting, subcontractor pricing and bid leveling.
• Organized, commercially aware, with ability to challenge missing information.
• Proficient in Excel and estimating or takeoff software.

Responsibilities

• Review architectural, structural and MEP drawings, specifications and project information to establish scope and identify gaps.
• Complete quantity takeoffs and prepare detailed estimates and construction budgets across multiple trades.
• Obtain subcontractor quotations, level bids and clarify inclusions, exclusions and pricing assumptions.
• Assess existing-building conditions and account for rehabilitation and conversion challenges.
• Update budgets as designs develop, evaluate cost-saving alternatives and support value engineering.
• Work closely with leadership, consultants and subcontractors on constructability, procurement and project handover.

Skills

Takeoffs & budgeting

Drawings interpretation

Excel proficiency

Bid analysis

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Location: Long Island City, NY | Full-time, office-based, five days per week

Salary: Up to $150,000 base, depending on experience

We are working with a New York general contractor specializing in affordable housing, multifamily construction and building rehabilitation to appoint an Estimator to work directly with its construction leadership.

The project pipeline includes substantial gut renovations and the conversion of existing buildings into residential accommodation. This is an opportunity to contribute early in the project lifecycle, helping turn drawings and developing designs into clear scopes, practical budgets and well-planned construction projects.

The role

• Review architectural, structural and MEP drawings, specifications and project information to establish scope and identify gaps.
• Complete quantity takeoffs and prepare detailed estimates and construction budgets across multiple trades.
• Obtain subcontractor quotations, level bids and clarify inclusions, exclusions and pricing assumptions.
• Assess existing-building conditions and account for the challenges associated with rehabilitation and conversion work.
• Update budgets as designs develop, evaluate cost-saving alternatives and support value engineering.
• Work closely with leadership, consultants and subcontractors on constructability, procurement and project handover.

What we are looking for

• Relevant estimating or preconstruction experience on NYC multifamily residential or affordable housing projects.
• Experience with gut rehabilitation, adaptive reuse or residential conversions is particularly valuable.
• Strong drawing-reading skills and an understanding of how architectural, structural and building-services scopes fit together.
• Practical experience with takeoffs, budgeting, subcontractor pricing and bid leveling.
• An organized, commercially aware approach, with the confidence to question missing information and explain budget assumptions.
• Proficiency in Excel and relevant estimating or takeoff software.

Candidates from a general contractor or developer-builder background are encouraged to apply. We will also consider architects or construction professionals with relevant residential experience and demonstrable hands-on estimating and cost-planning skills.

Why consider the opportunity?

• Work directly with an experienced construction principal and have meaningful input into project decisions.
• Contribute to affordable housing projects that create and improve homes across New York.
• Gain exposure to the wider preconstruction process, including feasibility, design coordination and procurement.
• Take ownership of your work and see how your budgets and recommendations translate into construction.