Estimator

Actalent; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Discretionary profit-sharing

Hybrid work environment

Professional growth

Job summary

Actalent in San Jose, CA is seeking an Estimator for wood framing and rough carpentry. The role focuses on preconstruction, quantity takeoffs with digital tools, and detailed cost estimates for commercial/public works projects.

The ideal candidate has extensive estimating experience in construction and strong ability to read drawings, with proficiency in PlanSwift, Togal.AI, OST, and related tools. This hybrid position offers in-office onboarding and post-training remote work.

Qualifications

• 35+ years of estimating experience in construction.
• Hands-on experience with wood framing and rough carpentry.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and bid documents with accuracy.
• Experience using digital takeoff software as core workflow.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, and bid documents to understand scope.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for wood framing/rough carpentry using digital tools.
• Prepare detailed, itemized cost estimates including materials, labor, and equipment.
• Analyze scope to identify risks and develop pricing strategies.
• Coordinate with operations, PM and leadership through bidding process.
• Participate in bid reviews and estimate presentations.

Skills

Estimating experience

Wood framing

Rough carpentry

Reading drawings

Takeoff software

PlanSwift

Togal.AI

OST

Team collaboration

Independent worker

Tools

PlanSwift

Togal.AI

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

Job Title: Estimator Wood Framing & Rough CarpentryJob Description

This hybrid Estimator role focuses on supporting preconstruction and estimating efforts for wood framing and rough carpentry scopes across commercial and public works projects. You will review plans, perform detailed quantity takeoffs using digital tools, and develop competitive, accurate cost estimates that help win and deliver community-focused projects such as schools, fire stations, community centers, multi-family developments, and exterior finish systems. This position is well suited to an experienced Estimator or a hybrid Project Manager/Estimator who wants to take ownership of bids, contribute immediately, and grow with a well-established contractor known for quality workmanship and long-term client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Review construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents to fully understand project scope and requirements.

• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs for wood framing and rough carpentry using digital takeoff software.

• Prepare detailed, itemized cost estimates for wood framing and rough carpentry scopes, including materials, labor, equipment, and related costs.

• Analyze project scope to identify risks, opportunities, and key cost drivers, and develop pricing strategies that support competitive bids.

• Coordinate closely with operations, project management, and leadership teams throughout the bidding process to ensure alignment on means, methods, and assumptions.

• Participate in bid reviews and estimate presentations, clearly communicating methodology, assumptions, and key estimate components.

• Maintain and develop strong working relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners to obtain competitive pricing and up-to-date market information.

• Support preconstruction planning by providing cost input, constructability insights, and quantity data to project teams.

• Work independently to produce accurate estimates with limited oversight while meeting deadlines and bid schedules.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, templates, and databases to enhance accuracy and efficiency over time.

Essential Skills

• 35+ years of estimating experience within the construction industry.

• Hands-on experience with wood framing, rough carpentry, or closely related trades, with a strong preference for candidates who understand framing means and methods.

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents with a high degree of accuracy.

• Strong understanding of quantity takeoffs and standard estimating processes for commercial and public works projects.

• Proven ability to work independently and produce complete, accurate estimates with limited oversight.

• Experience using digital takeoff software as a core part of the estimating workflow.

• Proficiency with one or more digital takeoff platforms such as PlanSwift, Togal.AI, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), or similar software solutions.

• Capability to analyze project risks, develop pricing strategies, and clearly explain estimating assumptions.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with operations, project management, leadership, subcontractors, and suppliers.

• Comfort working in a hybrid environment that includes both in-office and remote work, while maintaining responsiveness and accountability.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Residential wood framing experience that can be applied to commercial or public works projects.

• Background in metal stud and drywall estimating, with an understanding of how those skills transfer to wood framing and rough carpentry.

• Experience in a hybrid Project Manager/Estimator role, including exposure to both preconstruction and project execution.

• Familiarity with public works procurement processes and bidding requirements.

• Interest in working on community-focused projects such as schools, fire stations, community centers, and multi-family developments.

• Motivation to take ownership of estimates, contribute ideas, and support long-term growth within a stable, specialty contractor.

• Commitment to quality, accuracy, and building long-term client and trade partner relationships.

Work Environment

The role operates in a hybrid work environment that combines both office and remote work. During the initial onboarding period, you will spend approximately 45 days per week in the office to receive training, become familiar with internal processes, and integrate with the team. After the training and ramp-up period, you are expected to maintain a minimum of 2 days per week in the office, with the balance of time worked remotely as responsibilities allow. You will work within a collaborative, team-oriented environment that emphasizes communication between estimating, operations, project management, and leadership. The company maintains a strong pipeline of public and commercial projects and is recognized for quality workmanship and long-term client relationships. Digital takeoff software such as PlanSwift, Togal.AI, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), or similar platforms will be core tools in your daily work, and you will rely on standard office technology in both in-office and remote settings. The culture supports professional growth, meaningful contributions to community-focused projects, and offers healthcare benefits and discretionary profit-sharing opportunities following an eligibility and waiting period.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of San Jose, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

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.

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Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of San Jose, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in San Jose,CA.

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.