Ground-Up Estimator — Commercial Construction Pro

The Gordon Highlander Corporation; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Gordon Highlander in Austin, TX is seeking an experienced Estimator – Ground-Up to support commercial construction opportunities across the South Region. You’ll develop accurate estimates from early budgeting through final pricing for ground-up projects.

The role requires reading drawings and specs, knowledge of site development, structural systems, MEP, and collaboration with Preconstruction, Operations, and Field teams to deliver executable estimates for diverse facilities.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, project management, or related experience.
• Experience with distribution centers, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, cold storage, industrial facilities, large-scale retail.
• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural, civil, structural, and MEP documents.
• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required; equivalent experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage Ground-Up estimates from initial opportunity through final pricing and turnover to Operations.
• Review drawings, specs, site conditions, and requirements to develop estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs, bid leveling, scope reviews, and cost analysis.
• Solicit and evaluate trade pricing; maintain subcontractor and supplier relationships.
• Develop estimates across sitework, concrete, structural, envelope, roofing, and MEP scopes.
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, logistics, schedule impacts, and pricing risks.
• Visit prospective sites to evaluate conditions, access, utilities, and constraints.
• Develop value-engineering solutions and clearly communicate assumptions and exclusions.
• Collaborate with Preconstruction, Operations, and Field teams to reflect practical construction approaches.
• Participate in client meetings and pricing discussions as needed.
• Support subcontractor relationships and market intelligence in Austin.

Skills

Estimating

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Job description

Gordon Highlander in Austin, TX is seeking an experienced Estimator – Ground-Up to support commercial construction opportunities across the South Region. You’ll develop accurate estimates from early budgeting through final pricing for ground-up projects.

The role requires reading drawings and specs, knowledge of site development, structural systems, MEP, and collaboration with Preconstruction, Operations, and Field teams to deliver executable estimates for diverse facilities.