Lead Estimator

SolomonEdwards; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SolomonEdwards is seeking an experienced Estimator – Life Sciences to join our Burlington, MA team. You will work independently and with teams to support capital projects and deliver cost-effective solutions for life sciences clients.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of construction cost estimating experience with a strong focus on life sciences and established relationships with trade contractors across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of construction cost estimating experience with life sciences/pharma projects.
• Experience from conceptual development through bid/buyout and award.
• Strong knowledge of estimating practices, procedures, and CSI formats.
• Experience using estimating software, databases, and digital take-off tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and proposal-ready estimating.

Responsibilities

• Develop and submit accurate cost estimates with detailed assumptions, exclusions, and qualifications.
• Prepare estimates from feasibility through detailed design and IFC documents.
• Review plans, specs, quantity take-offs, I&C docs to understand scope.
• Prepare estimates for life sciences, pharma, commercial, and industrial projects.
• Develop labor and material pricing based on current market conditions.
• Calculate total project costs including overhead, contingency, and profit.
• Collaborate with design, engineering, CQV, construction, and PM teams for cost-saving ideas.
• Manage estimating and bidding through buyout and support procurement and construction phases.
• Maintain historical cost data and market pricing to improve accuracy.
• Build relationships with trade contractors and consultants in MA/NH; travel as needed.

Skills

Estimating

Life Sciences

Cost & Risk Analysis

MS Excel

CSI estimating formats

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam

Procore

Microsoft Project

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam

Procore

Microsoft Project

Job description

Our client services span consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, and commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV), with a primary focus on the life sciences industry.

We are seeking an experienced Estimator – Life Sciences to join their team in Burlington, Massachusetts. In this role, you will work independently and collaboratively to support capital projects and deliver cost-effective solutions for our life sciences clients.

The ideal candidate will bring strong construction estimating experience, a deep understanding of the life sciences/pharmaceutical market, and established relationships with trade contractors and project partners throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and submit accurate, well-organized, and high-quality construction cost estimates, including detailed assumptions, clarifications, exclusions, and qualifications.
• Prepare construction and installation estimates based on feasibility studies, conceptual designs, preliminary designs, and detailed/IFC design documents.
• Review project plans, specifications, quantity take-offs, instrumentation and controls (I&C) documents, and other project documentation to fully understand the scope and intended use of each estimate.
• Prepare estimates for both small- and large-scale life sciences, pharmaceutical, commercial, and industrial projects.
• Develop accurate labor and material pricing based on detailed quantity take-offs and current market conditions.
• Calculate total project costs, including appropriate overhead, contingency, and profit, and develop final pricing for proposals.
• Collaborate closely with design, engineering, CQV, construction, and project management teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and provide value-engineering alternatives.
• Manage estimating and bidding activities through project buyout and support subsequent phases, including procurement, delivery, scheduling, installation, and construction administration as required.
• Maintain and utilize historical cost data, market pricing, and estimating databases to improve accuracy and competitiveness.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with trade contractors, subcontractors, sub-consultants, OEMs, suppliers, and end users within targeted markets.
• Leverage established relationships and market knowledge within the Massachusetts and New Hampshire construction markets.
• Coordinate with construction teams to maintain current and reliable cost data.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor input to optimize project pricing, constructability, schedule, and overall project performance.
• Interpret project schedules and incorporate schedule requirements into estimates and execution planning.
• Support client relationships by providing timely, accurate, and commercially sound estimating expertise.
• Travel occasionally for project site visits, client meetings, and other business requirements.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years of construction cost estimating experience, with a strong focus on life sciences and/or pharmaceutical projects.
• Demonstrated experience estimating projects from conceptual development and feasibility through detailed design, bidding, and buyout.
• Strong knowledge of construction estimating practices, procedures, and methodologies.
• Experience using estimating software, estimating databases, and digital take-off tools.
• Proficiency with On-Screen Takeoff and/or Bluebeam.
• Strong understanding of CSI estimating formats and the ability to develop proposal‑ready estimates in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience collecting, maintaining, and applying historical cost information and market data.
• Established network of reliable subcontractors and trade partners.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, project schedules, labor requirements, and material costs.
• Ability to read and interpret construction, installation, detailed design, and IFC drawings and documents.
• Experience with large-scale commercial and industrial projects, including both greenfield and brownfield/renovation projects.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and deliver accurate estimates under tight timelines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and proactive approach to project delivery.
• Willingness to travel as required for project activities, including installation and start‑up, client and company meetings, training, industry seminars, forums, and conventions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook, Procore, and Microsoft Project.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Hands‑on experience with Procore.
• Established relationships with life sciences/pharmaceutical trade contractors in the Massachusetts and New Hampshire markets.
• Experience supporting complex, technically driven pharmaceutical or life sciences facilities.