Junior Architectural Estimator

Focus; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Junior Architectural Estimator at Focus in Birmingham, AL reviews project documents, performs material takeoffs, and procures pricing to prepare detailed proposals for architectural metal products.

You will collaborate with sales, engineering, project management, manufacturing, vendors, and subcontractors to define scope, identify constructability concerns, risks, and pricing opportunities while maintaining accurate estimating records.

Qualifications

• Read and interpret architectural drawings and specs.
• 1–5 years estimating, drafting, or related field.
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu.
• Proficient in Excel, Outlook.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Detail oriented and accurate.
• CAD or technical drafting desirable.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, addenda, and construction details.
• Complete quantity takeoffs with Bluebeam Revu.
• Prepare clear, detailed proposals.
• Assist with light CAD work and basic detailing.
• Identify project scope, materials, finishes, and installation requirements.
• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors for pricing.
• Estimate architectural metal products including sheet metal and related components.
• Maintain estimating records, exclusions, and revisions.
• Support value-engineering discussions and pricing alternatives.
• Follow up on missing information to complete estimates on time.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Associate degree or technical diploma in construction management or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

AutoCAD

Excel

Job description

Position Summary

The Junior Architectural Estimator supports the team by reviewing project documents, completing accurate material takeoffs, obtaining pricing, and preparing professional proposals for architectural metal products. The position works closely with sales, engineering, project management, manufacturing, vendors, and subcontractors to define project scope and identify missing information, constructability concerns, and potential pricing risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Review architectural drawings, specifications, addenda, and construction details.
• Complete accurate quantity takeoffs using Bluebeam Revu.
• Prepare clear, detailed, and professional project proposals.
• Assist with light CAD work, drawing review, and basic project detailing.
• Identify project scope, materials, finishes, dimensions, and installation requirements.
• Communicate with vendors and subcontractors to obtain material, fabrication, finishing, and freight pricing.
• Estimate architectural metal products, including fabricated sheet metal, expanded metal, perforated metal, support components, and related accessories.
• Evaluate construction details for completeness, constructability, and potential scope gaps.
• Coordinate with sales, engineering, project management, manufacturing, and outside vendors.
• Maintain accurate estimating records, assumptions, exclusions, and proposal revisions.
• Support value-engineering discussions and alternative product or fabrication recommendations.
• Follow up on outstanding information needed to complete estimates accurately and on time.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, shop drawings, specifications, and construction details.
• One to five years of experience in estimating, drafting, construction, architectural products, sheet metal fabrication, or a related field.
• Experience completing digital takeoffs using Bluebeam Revu.
• Strong mathematical, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines at the same time.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate work.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and related business software.

Highly Desired Qualifications

• CAD or technical drafting experience.
• Knowledge of architectural façade systems and exterior building products.
• Understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes, tolerances, gauges, and material utilization.
• Familiarity with aluminum, steel, stainless steel, expanded metal, and perforated metal.
• Knowledge of powder coating, anodizing, paint finishes, and other architectural finish processes.
• Experience working with architects, contractors, fabricators, installers, and material suppliers.
• Previous experience preparing quotations or proposals for commercial construction projects.

Secondary Accountabilities

In addition to the primary accountabilities listed above, individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Education and Experience

• Associate degree or technical diploma in construction management, architectural technology, engineering technology, drafting/design, building science, or a related field preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Relevant estimating, drafting, architectural products, or metal-fabrication experience may be considered in place of formal postsecondary education.
• Bluebeam Revu, AutoCAD, construction estimating, or blueprint-reading coursework or certification is highly desirable.

Competencies and Technical Skills

• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, shop drawings, specifications, addenda, and construction details.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam Revu for digital quantity takeoffs, measurements, markups, and document review.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, and related business software.
• Basic CAD or technical drafting skills.
• Strong mathematical skills, including measurements, dimensions, quantities, areas, material utilization, and unit conversions.
• Ability to identify project scope, materials, finishes, installation requirements, exclusions, and potential scope gaps.
• Basic understanding of architectural metal products, sheet metal fabrication, gauges, tolerances, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, expanded metal, perforated metal, and related support components.
• Basic knowledge of powder coating, anodizing, paint systems, and other architectural finishes.
• Ability to obtain and evaluate material, fabrication, finishing, freight, and subcontractor pricing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to estimating accuracy.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple estimates, priorities, and deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to document estimating assumptions, exclusions, clarifications, and proposal revisions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with sales, engineering, project management, manufacturing, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Initiative and willingness to follow up on missing information.
• Sound judgment to recognize when technical, pricing, or scope questions require escalation.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn AMICO products, processes, and estimating standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to view and review detailed architectural drawings, specifications, and digital documents for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, email, and virtual meeting.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout an office or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to visit manufacturing areas, jobsites, or vendor facilities as needed, with exposure to noise, dust, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment when entering production or construction areas.
• Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, training, project reviews, or site visits.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.