Estimator (Museums)

Kubik; Odenton (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Kubik Maltbie is seeking an experienced Estimator with a strong fabrication background to produce cost estimates for exhibit cabinetry, casework, and in-house production components. You’ll source pricing from subcontractors, create budget estimates from renderings, and lead bid negotiations to secure competitive pricing.

The role requires 10+ years of estimating experience, deep knowledge of carpentry and fabrication, and proficiency in Excel.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating experience.
• Thorough knowledge of carpentry, fabrication methods, materials and manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of visual/illustrative methods design.
• Skilled at interpreting construction/fabrication blueprints and shop drawings.
• Familiarity with diverse materials: glass, wood, plastics, acrylics, laminates, graphics, and metals.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and written documentation abilities.
• Collaborative and adaptable across teams and stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost estimates from contract drawings and specifications independently.
• Create budget estimates based on conceptual renderings.
• Source pricing for specialty components and subcontractor work.
• Research manufacturers and obtain component pricing.
• Accurately estimate project hours, including detailing, project management, and installation.
• Lead project kickoff meetings to align scope and estimate documentation.
• Evaluate and negotiate bids to secure competitive pricing.

Skills

Estimating

Carpentry

Communication

Negotiation

Organization

Project planning

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Kubik Maltbie is a global leader in crafting award-winning museums, visitor centers, and immersive environments. For over six decades, we've delivered iconic, high-profile projects by merging technical precision with artistic vision. With collaboration at our core, we bring complex concepts to life through experiences that inspire and resonate around the world.

About the Role:

We're seeking an experienced Estimator with a strong fabrication background and a solid grasp of mechanical and mathematical principles. This role centers around producing cost estimates for exhibit cabinetry, casework, and other in-house production components. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with:

• Dioramas and recreated environments
• Scenic treatments and interactive exhibits
• Audio-visual elements, metalwork, and graphic production
• Showcases and artifact mounting

You’ll be detail-oriented, highly organized, and quality-focused—ready to manage multiple projects under tight timelines. Communication and negotiation skills are key, as is the ability to source and compile bids from a wide range of subcontractors. You’ll collaborate with clients and design teams to propose value engineering solutions and construction methods.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop cost estimates from contract drawings and specifications independently.
• Create budget estimates based on conceptual renderings.
• Source pricing for specialty components and subcontractor work.
• Research manufacturers and obtain component pricing.
• Accurately estimate project hours, including detailing, project management, and installation.
• Lead project kickoff meetings to align scope and estimate documentation.
• Evaluate and negotiate bids to secure competitive pricing.

About You:

• 10+ years of estimating experience.
• Thorough knowledge of carpentry, fabrication methods, materials and manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of visual/illustrative methods design.
• Skilled at interpreting construction/fabrication blueprints and shop drawings
• Familiarity with diverse materials: glass, wood, plastics, acrylics, laminates, graphics, and metals.
• Strong problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and written documentation abilities.
• Collaborative and adaptable across teams and stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.

Join Us

Kubik Maltbie isn’t just a workplace—it’s a creative forge for building unforgettable experiences. Join our team of visionaries and bring world‑class spaces to life.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, but only those applicants who are to be considered will be contacted.

We are Storytellers, Builders, Dreamers, and Doers.

We’ve got amazing individuals with unique backgrounds, skill sets, and capabilities and we take great pride in the value that our diversity, varying perspectives, and collaboration bring.

Diversity and inclusivity run deep in us, ultimately building a team whose strengths and capabilities form the solid foundation of our approach: Omni-channel experiential strategy.