Estimator - Commercial Construction

Australia-Employment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot is seeking an Estimator to join our leading builder on complex commercial projects in Chicago. This on-site permanent role supports pricing, takeoffs, and coordination from pursuit through award, interacting with preconstruction, design, and field teams.

The ideal candidate will have 2–5 years of estimating experience in general contracting, strong Excel proficiency, and the ability to interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings to produce detailed cost estimates.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of estimating experience in general contracting.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
• Experience with quantity takeoffs and detailed cost estimates.
• Knowledge of commercial construction methods, sequencing, and means and methods.
• Proficiency with estimating tools and Excel.
• Understanding of subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and scope evaluation.
• Ability to analyze labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Strong organization and multi-estimate management.
• Effective coordination with internal teams and trade partners.
• Familiarity with contracts, bid documents, and procurement.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and develop detailed cost estimates for commercial projects.
• Interpret drawings and specifications to support pricing.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and evaluate subcontractor bids.
• Analyze labor, materials, equipment costs, and means and methods.
• Coordinate with internal teams and trade partners during bidding.
• Support conceptual budgeting and schematic pricing exercises.
• Maintain organized estimates and manage multiple bids concurrently.
• Adhere to procurement processes and contract documents.

Skills

Interpret drawings & specs

Quantity takeoffs

Cost estimation

Communication

Organization

Bid evaluation

Analytical thinking

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Digital takeoff software

Job description

Estimator - Commercial Construction

$100000 - $115000 per year | Chicago, IL | On-Site | Permanent

Estimator Opportunity | Join a Leading Builder Shaping Complex Commercial Projects

A bit about us:

Our client is a well-established construction firm recognized for delivering complex, high-quality commercial projects across a range of market sectors. With a strong reputation for craftsmanship, precision, and reliability, the company brings together experienced professionals who are passionate about building landmark projects in urban and high-density environments. The organization is built on collaboration between preconstruction, field operations, and project leadership teams, with a focus on continuous improvement and long-term client relationships.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to join a high-performing preconstruction team where estimators directly influence project success from pursuit through award. Our client offers exposure to some of the most technically challenging commercial work in the industry, along with a culture that values ownership, accountability, and professional development.

Team members benefit from:

• A highly collaborative estimating and preconstruction environment
• Exposure to complex, large-scale commercial construction projects
• Strong pipeline of work and stable organizational growth
• Direct interaction with leadership, operations, and field teams
• Opportunity to grow into senior estimating or preconstruction leadership roles
• A culture that values precision, innovation, and practical problem-solving

Job Details

• 2-5 years of experience in construction estimating within a general contracting environment
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings and specifications
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs and developing detailed cost estimates
• Knowledge of commercial construction methods, sequencing, and means and methods
• Proficiency with estimating tools, digital takeoff software, and Microsoft Excel
• Understanding of subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and scope evaluation
• Ability to analyze labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple estimates concurrently
• Effective communication skills for coordination with internal teams and trade partners
• Ability to support conceptual budgeting and schematic-level pricing exercises
• Familiarity with construction contracts, bid documents, and procurement processes

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.