Preconstruction Estimator — Budget & Bid Lead

KAI Enterprises; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

KAI Enterprises seeks an Project Estimator in Charlotte, NC to support the Preconstruction Team. This role builds preliminary budgets, milestone estimates, and final bid pricing for commercial and institutional projects.

You will review docs, perform takeoffs, and obtain material and subcontractor pricing, while maintaining cost analyses and collaborating with the team to deliver accurate estimates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Construction Engineering or Construction Management or related field.
• 1–7 years of related estimating experience.
• Timber experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings/documents to understand scope for bidding.
• Perform take-offs and input data into estimating software.
• Obtain material pricing and subcontractor bids.
• Prepare cost analyses including materials, labor and overhead.
• Develop estimates when standards are unavailable.
• Coordinate with team, subcontractors, and suppliers during estimating.
• Read specs and tie them to drawings and project needs.
• Understand construction sequencing and union jurisdictions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Reading plans

Organizational skills

Independent work

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree Civil or Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or a similar field of study

Tools

Estimating software

Take-off software

Job description

KAI Enterprises seeks an Project Estimator in Charlotte, NC to support the Preconstruction Team. This role builds preliminary budgets, milestone estimates, and final bid pricing for commercial and institutional projects.

You will review docs, perform takeoffs, and obtain material and subcontractor pricing, while maintaining cost analyses and collaborating with the team to deliver accurate estimates.