Pre-Construction Estimator

CFO Trane U.S. Inc.-CFO; Illinois; On-site; USD 70,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K match

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Family benefits

Job summary

Trane Technologies is seeking a Pre Construction Estimator to support early-stage project planning, pricing, and risk analysis. You will transform limited design information into meaningful cost assumptions, collaborating with developers, engineers, and operations to shape project strategy.

The ideal candidate has strong estimating knowledge and construction insight, plus solid communication skills to engage suppliers and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Strong estimating knowledge and construction insight.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual, budgetary, and progressive estimates from limited design data.
• Define scope, pricing assumptions, and project strategy in early development.
• Gather data from drawings, specs, site conditions for estimate development.
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, risks, and cost-saving opportunities early.
• Coordinate subcontractor and vendor input for pricing and feasibility.
• Review quotes for completeness and alignment with cost targets.
• Apply construction methods knowledge to support pricing accuracy.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and project teams to validate assumptions.
• Support value engineering and budget updates as project definition evolves.
• Document estimate assumptions and exclusions for internal reviews.

Skills

Strong estimating knowledge

Construction insight

Communication skills

Education

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

Job description

Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King, sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future? If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what's possible for a sustainable world. Learn about our benefits designed for you to Thrive at work and at home. We boldly go. Where is the work: Monday to Thursday, work onsite with your colleagues. Fridays, choose your work location, balancing what your work requires.

The Pre Construction Estimator is a detail-oriented and analytical individual who supports early-stage project planning, conceptual estimating, scope development, and pre-construction analysis before a complete bid package is available. This role works closely with project developers, pre-construction engineers, project managers, subcontractors, clients, and operations leaders to help evaluate project opportunities, develop budgetary pricing, identify risks, and improve overall project readiness. The Pre Construction Estimator plays an important role in shaping project strategy during the early phases of development by turning limited design information, site observations, and preliminary concepts into meaningful cost assumptions and pricing guidance. The ideal candidate has strong estimating knowledge, construction insight, and communication skills, with the ability to assess incomplete information, identify constructability concerns, support subcontractor engagement, and highlight potential issues that may impact project cost, scope, or execution.

What you will do:

• Develop conceptual, budgetary, and progressive estimates based on preliminary designs, narratives, site information, and incomplete construction documents.
• Partner with project developers, pre-construction engineers, and project teams to help define scope, establish pricing assumptions, and support project strategy during early-stage development.
• Gather and evaluate project data, drawings, specifications, field conditions, and historical cost information to support estimate development.
• Identify potential scope gaps, constructability concerns, coordination issues, project risks, and cost-saving opportunities early in the project lifecycle.
• Support scope clarification and cost alignment where complete bid documents are not yet available.
• Coordinate subcontractor and vendor outreach to obtain budget pricing, scope input, and feasibility feedback.
• Review subcontractor and supplier quotes for completeness, alignment, and cost optimization opportunities.
• Apply knowledge of construction methods, materials, labor, and market conditions to support accurate conceptual pricing.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and project management teams to validate estimate assumptions and improve execution readiness.
• Support value engineering efforts, pricing comparisons, and budget updates as project definition evolves.
• Participate project turnover activities as needed to support continuity from pre-construction into execution.
• Document estimate assumptions, exclusions, qualifications, and risks clearly to support internal review and customer discussions.

What you will bring Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labor, pricing, and project delivery approaches. Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Must possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of 12 months, with no major or frequent traffic violations including, but not limited to: DUI, Hit & Run, License Suspension, Reckless / Carless Driving, or multiple smaller infractions or preventable collisions in the previous 3 years.

#ES25 Annual Base Salary Range or Hourly Base Pay Range: $70,400.00 - $128,379.99 Compensation Type: Salary Incentive Eligible: Yes Sales Commission Eligible: No Disclaimer: We strive to provide competitive compensation for this position, tailored to a variety of factors. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience, travel requirements, and union designation. Our compensation range is generally based on the national average for the country. Additionally, benefits may vary depending on the region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.

Benefits

• Thrive at work and at home: Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE!
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• 401K match up to 6%, plus an additional 2% core contribution = up to 8% company contribution.
• Paid time off includes 15 vacation days, 9 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
• Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.
• Disclaimer: Benefit offerings may vary depending on Collective Bargaining Agreements and local/state regulations.

Safety Sensitive Role: Yes The company designates certain roles as Safety Sensitive. Safety Sensitive roles may require that you pass additional drug screening. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs.

We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.

At Trane Technologies, we’re climate innovators with the courage to look at our world’s challenges and see endless opportunities. We aren’t afraid to make bold commitments that set new standards to enhance the health and well-being of our employees, customers, communities, and the planet we share.

Learn more about what we do & how we do it. Joining the Trane Technologies team is more than just a job – it’s the beginning of a career full of purpose, impact, and meaningful contributions that challenge what’s possible for a more sustainable future. Together, we know we can change the world. With an inclusive culture, benefits to support you and your family, limitless opportunities to grow, flexibility to help you balance life’s demands, and more – you’ll be supported to thrive at work and at home. Learn more about building a career with us.

At Trane Technologies, we believe in providing equal access and opportunity for all. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to our candidates and employees who may need assistance with application or recruitment processes due to disability or impairment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at: [e-mail]