Junior Estimator

Rockway Exhibits + Events; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Rockway Exhibits + Events in Orlando seeks a Junior Estimator to develop accurate project cost estimates for trade show exhibits, events, and experiential environments. This role collaborates with design, sales, project management, production and finance to ensure estimates align with scope, budget and production capabilities.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and eager to grow in exhibit fabrication and event production estimating.

Qualifications

• Ability to read renderings, floor plans, elevations, and BOMs.
• Basic understanding of fabrication materials, production labor, and subcontracted services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Review renderings, floor plans, elevations, and specifications to determine project scope.
• Assist in preparing estimates for fabrication, modular systems, rental components, graphics, flooring, AV, freight, and installation/dismantle labor.
• Calculate material quantities, labor requirements, purchased components, and subcontracted costs.
• Identify scope gaps, assumptions, exclusions, and cost risks before completing estimates.
• Support value-engineering by identifying cost-saving opportunities while preserving design intent.
• Evaluate designs for constructability, efficiency, utilization, and feasibility.
• Collaborate with design, sales, project management, finance, and production throughout estimating process.
• Participate in project review meetings to clarify scope and support costing.
• Obtain and review pricing from suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Monitor changes in costs to maintain estimate accuracy.
• Maintain historical cost data, pricing databases, and estimating resources.
• Support post-project reviews by comparing actual costs to estimates and contributing to improvements.

Skills

Renderings interpretation

BOM basics

Excel

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Estimate management

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Event Production

Tools

ERP systems

Estimating software

Project management tools

Job description

Estimating & Cost Development

Vendor & Cost Management

Effective collaboration across departments.

Position Summary

The Junior Estimator supports the estimating team by developing accurate project cost estimates for trade show exhibits, events, and experiential marketing environments. This role works closely with design, sales, project management, production, and finance teams to evaluate project requirements, analyze costs, and ensure estimates align with project scope, budget, and production capabilities. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and eager to develop expertise in exhibit fabrication and event production estimating.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Cost Development

• Review renderings, floor plans, elevations, and project specifications to determine complete project scope.
• Assist in preparing estimates for fabrication, modular systems, rental components, graphics, flooring, audiovisual equipment, freight, installation and dismantle labor, and related services.
• Calculate material quantities, production labor requirements, purchased components, subcontracted services, and other project costs.
• Identify scope gaps, assumptions, exclusions, and potential cost risks prior to estimate completion.
• Support value-engineering efforts by identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining design intent and project objectives.

Technical & Project Collaboration

• Evaluate designs for constructability, production efficiency, material utilization, installation requirements, and overall feasibility.
• Collaborate with design, sales, project management, finance, and production teams throughout the estimating process.
• Participate in project review meetings to clarify project scope and support accurate costing.

Vendor & Cost Management

• Obtain and review pricing from suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Monitor changes in material, labor, freight, rental, and service costs to help maintain estimate accuracy.
• Assist with maintaining historical cost data, pricing databases, and estimating resources.
• Support post-project cost reviews by comparing actual project costs against estimates and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

• Ability to interpret renderings, floor plans, elevations, construction drawings, and bills of materials.
• Basic understanding of fabrication materials, production labor, freight, installation and dismantle services, and outsourced vendor services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, Event Production, or a related field.
• Experience in exhibit fabrication, event production, construction estimating, manufacturing, or a related industry.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, estimating software, or project management tools.

Success Measures

• Accuracy and completeness of project estimates.
• Timeliness of estimate delivery.
• Effective collaboration across departments.
• Contribution to improving estimating standards, cost databases, and forecasting accuracy.
• Ability to identify project risks and recommend cost-effective solutions.

Reports To: Estimating Manager / Director of Production

Department: Estimating

Employment Type: Full-Time

Your first months at Rockway

During your first months, you will take on estimating smaller exhibits and collaborate closely with senior team members during mentoring sessions. You will learn our pricing models and project workflows while contributing directly to upcoming trade show builds.