Preconstruction Engineer

Rippling, Inc.; Duluth (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 85% company-paid medical/dental/

401(k) with company match

Discretionary Paid Time Off (DPTO)

Plum Benefits

Job summary

Eastern Commercial, the preconstruction and estimating arm of Eastern Companies, seeks a detail-oriented estimator to develop accurate cost estimates for a diverse portfolio. You will perform quantity takeoffs, evaluate project feasibility, and support early budget decisions across education, healthcare, hospitality, and government sectors.

The role requires strong technical knowledge, collaboration with designers and project teams, and experience with estimating software.

Qualifications

• 1–5 years of experience as a construction estimator or in a preconstruction role.
• Proficiency in reading construction drawings, specs, and technical documents.
• Strong knowledge of estimating principles, methods, and best practices.
• Experience with estimating software such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, ProEst, or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed construction cost estimates (labor, materials, equipment, subs).
• Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings and specs using digital tools.
• Support development of conceptual, schematic, and GMP budgets during project phases.
• Maintain organized, well-documented cost breakdowns for internal/external use.

Skills

Reading drawings

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

PlanSwift

Bluebeam

ProEst

RSMeans

eGordian

SimpleBid

Job description

Eastern Commercial is the full-service commercial general contracting division of Eastern Companies. Building on decades of experience in building envelope construction, we deliver comprehensive construction solutions across the education, healthcare, hospitality, multifamily, commercial, and institutional sectors.

Our team is committed to excellence in every phase of construction, combining technical expertise, collaboration, and accountability to deliver high-quality projects safely, on time, and within budget. With offices in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, Eastern Commercial serves clients throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, helping transform visions into lasting structures.

Why Join Us?

At Eastern Commercial, you'll be part of a growing organization built on integrity, accountability, and quality craftsmanship. We empower our team members to take ownership, collaborate with experienced professionals, and contribute to projects that shape communities across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. If you're looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, grow your career, and be part of a team committed to excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Role Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Preconstruction Engineer to support our preconstruction and estimating efforts across a diverse portfolio of commercial, institutional, and government projects. This role plays a critical part in developing accurate cost estimates, evaluating project feasibility, and supporting design and budgeting decisions early in the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge with a collaborative mindset and has experience in quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, and scope development. Exposure to unit price estimating and Job Order Contracting (JOC) platformsis valued.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation of detailed construction cost estimates, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
• Performaccurate quantitytakeoffs using drawings, specifications, and digital tools.
• Support development of conceptual, schematic, and GMP-level budgets throughout project phases.
• Help maintain organized and well-documented cost breakdowns for internal and external use.
• Apply value engineering concepts and cost-saving strategies where appropriate.

Design & Scope Analysis

• Review architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, and proposals to understand project scope and requirements.
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, and potential risk areas.
• Coordinate with the design team to evaluate materials, systems, and construction approaches.
• Assist in constructability reviews and early-stage design coordination efforts.
• Work closely with project managers, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to clarify project scope, construction methods, and pricing assumptions.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams to ensure accurate handoff of awarded estimates for project execution.
• Assist in developing bid strategies and coordinating bid submissions with estimating and operations leadership.

Software & Technology Use

• Usegeneralestimating software (e.g.,PlanSwift,Building Connected,Bluebeam,ProEst, or similar) and spreadsheets to develop, document, and present cost data.
• UseJob Order Contractingestimating software (e.g.,RSMeans,eGordian,SimpleBid, or similar systems)to create unit price proposals.
• Leverage databases and digital tools to streamline quantity takeoffs and pricing accuracy.
• Maintain digital archives of past estimates for reference and benchmarking.

Bid Process Participation

• Attend and contribute to pre-bid meetings, site walkthroughs, and RFI discussions as required.
• Coordinate subcontractor and supplier solicitations, gather pricing, and perform bid-leveling comparisons.
• Participate in post-bid reviews and support final negotiations, clarifications, or scope adjustments.

Market & Cost Tracking

• Monitor industry cost trends, labor rates, and commodity pricing to ensure estimates reflect current market conditions.
• Track subcontractor and supplier performance and pricing history to inform bid strategies.
• Maintain and update internal cost databases for ongoing accuracy and reliability.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 1-5years of experience as a construction estimator or in a related preconstruction role.
• Proficiency in reading construction drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
• Strong knowledge of estimating principles, methods, and best practices.
• Experience with estimating software such as Bluebeam,PlanSwift,ProEst, or similar tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• Experience withRSMeans, Gordian, CannonDesign, or other JOC platforms for unit price estimating.
• Familiarity with public sector procurement and Job Order Contracting (JOC) methods.
• Experience in commercial, healthcare, education, or government construction projects.

Reports To:

Head Estimator /Director of Operations

Coordinates / Assists With:

• Business Development Department
• Preconstruction Department
• Marketing Department
• Operations Department
• Demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills in a team-oriented environment
• Meet deadlinesandpositivelycontribute to team goals while upholdingcompany values.
• Take ownership of tasks andconsistentlydeliver high-quality work.
• Deliver accurate, complete, and well-documented estimates.
• Maintain high standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Proactively seek opportunities for growthand career development.
• Up to 85% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with 100% company match up to 5%
• Discretionary Paid Time Off (DPTO)-We offer a Discretionary Paid Time Off (DPTO) program to support work-life balance. Employees may request time off in advance through the company system, with manager approval based on business needs
• Plum Benefits:Employee discounts on entertainment, travel, shopping, and lifestyle experiences

Physical Requirements

• Work in both office and construction site environments.
• Traverse active construction sites for extended periods.
• Communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through electronic communication.
• Occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl during site visits and inspections.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

EEO

EasternCommercial is 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, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.