Estimator

Actalent; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Short/long-term disability

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Commercial Construction Project Estimator to translate complex plans into strong opportunities. Join a fast-moving team focused on preconstruction success and competitive proposals in Sioux Falls, SD.

In this onsite role, you will develop comprehensive cost estimates, perform quantity takeoffs, solicit subcontractor pricing, and collaborate with project managers, architects, and engineers to optimize pricing strategies. The position is contract-to-hire with growth potential.

Qualifications

• Experience estimating commercial construction projects from concept through bid submission.
• Proficiency with estimating software and digital construction tools.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience soliciting, reviewing, and leveling subcontractor and vendor proposals.

Responsibilities

• Analyze project drawings, specs, and bid documents to develop accurate estimates for commercial construction.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted scopes.
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from subcontractors and vendors to ensure competitive coverage.
• Compare and level subcontractor proposals, assessing pricing, scope, qualifications, and value.
• Prepare organized estimates and bid packages that support profitable pursuits.
• Partner with project managers, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to clarify scope and refine pricing strategies.
• Assess project risks, methods, and market conditions to support informed decisions.
• Communicate assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, and pricing considerations to internal stakeholders.
• Manage multiple bids simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and deadlines.
• Contribute ideas to improve estimating processes and workflows.

Skills

Estimating commercial projects

Quantity takeoffs

Subcontractor pricing

Interpret drawings & specs

Analytical/problem solving

Effective communication

Prioritization under deadlines

Industry standards knowledge

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Commercial Construction Project EstimatorBuild More Than Estimates. Help Shape Successful Projects.

We're looking for a Commercial Construction Project Estimator who enjoys turning complex plans into winning opportunities. If you have a sharp eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a passion for building projects before they ever break ground, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

In this role, you'll be a key part of the preconstruction process—developing accurate, competitive estimates that help drive smart business decisions and successful project outcomes. You'll collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and leadership to evaluate costs, identify risks, and deliver high-quality proposals that position the company for growth.

This position is ideal for an estimator who thrives in a fast-moving environment, enjoys solving challenges, and wants to be a valued contributor on a collaborative and growing team.

What You'll Do

• Analyze project drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted scopes.
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from subcontractors and vendors to ensure competitive and complete project coverage.
• Compare and level subcontractor proposals, assessing pricing, scope, qualifications, and value.
• Prepare organized, professional estimates and bid packages that support profitable project pursuits.
• Partner with project managers, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to clarify scope, resolve discrepancies, and refine pricing strategies.
• Assess project risks, construction methods, and market conditions to support informed estimating decisions.
• Clearly communicate assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, and pricing considerations to internal stakeholders.
• Manage multiple bids simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Contribute ideas that improve estimating processes, workflows, tools, and overall team efficiency.

What You'll Bring

• Experience estimating commercial construction projects from concept through bid submission.
• Strong knowledge of quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, bid preparation, and estimating best practices.
• Proficiency with estimating software and digital construction tools.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience soliciting, reviewing, and leveling subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build productive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, market conditions, and industry standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using multiple estimating platforms and construction technology solutions.
• Experience in construction management, estimating, engineering, or a related field.
• Knowledge of commercial bidding strategies, procurement processes, and cost control practices.
• Ability to adapt and perform in a growing organization with evolving systems and processes.
• Strong organizational skills and a collaborative, team-first mindset.

Why Join Us?

• Play a critical role in securing and shaping commercial construction projects.
• Collaborate with experienced construction professionals in a supportive team environment.
• Work on a diverse mix of commercial projects and project types.
• Contribute to a growing organization where your expertise and ideas are valued.
• Enjoy a fast-paced role that offers both challenge and professional growth.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position within a collaborative commercial construction environment. You'll work closely with project teams, subcontractors, vendors, architects, and engineers throughout the estimating process. The role involves reviewing plans and specifications, utilizing estimating software, participating in bid strategy discussions, and supporting the development of competitive, high-quality proposals that help drive project success.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sioux Falls, SD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $36.00/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 benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sioux Falls,SD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

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.