Project Estimator

DeMaria Building Company; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

DeMaria Building Company is seeking a Project Estimator to prepare accurate and competitive estimates for hard bid, design-build, and CM projects. You will review drawings, specs, contracts, and bid docs, perform quantity takeoffs, and support pre-bid strategy from pursuit through bid day.

The ideal candidate collaborates with preconstruction, operations, trade partners, and owners to ensure scope clarity and pricing accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent construction industry experience.
• 2+ years in construction, estimating, preconstruction, or related roles.
• Knowledge of estimating, bidding, takeoffs, scope review, and bid-day prep.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specs, contracts, and project requirements.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with focus on accuracy, documentation, and follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate with internal teams, clients, trade partners, and vendors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Bluebeam, and related tools.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate estimates for hard bid, design-build, and CM projects.
• Review drawings, specs, contracts, and bid documents to define scope, risks, and opportunities.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and evaluate materials, labor, equipment, and self-perform needs.
• Support pre-bid strategy, bid preparation, and bid-day execution.
• Solicit and evaluate trade partner, vendor, and supplier proposals for completeness and competitiveness.
• Participate in trade partner scope reviews and negotiations for proper scope and pricing.
• Write contracts and purchase orders; lead handoff to operations.
• Build strong relationships with trade partners, vendors, owners, architects, engineers, and internal teams.
• Support a doer-seller culture by identifying opportunities for expanded or new work.

Skills

Reading drawings

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Multi-tasking

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management / engineering / architecture / related field

Equivalent construction industry experience

Tools

Timberline/Sage

Procore

Autodesk

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Excel

Bluebeam

Word

Job description

Role

DeMaria is looking for a Project Estimator to help develop accurate, complete, and competitive estimates for hard bid, design-build, and construction management projects. This role supports project pursuits from early review through bid submission and works closely with preconstruction, operations, self-perform teams, trade partners, owners, architects, and engineers.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, relationship-focused, and motivated to support successful project outcomes through strong estimating practices and clear communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and complete estimates that align with project requirements, budget goals, and DeMaria’s estimating processes.
• Review drawings, specifications, contracts, special conditions, and bid documents to understand scope, risks, and opportunities.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and evaluate materials, labor, equipment, and self-perform scope requirements.
• Support pre-bid strategy, bid preparation, proposal documentation, scope clarifications, and bid-day execution.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate trade partner, vendor, and supplier proposals for completeness, competitiveness, and scope alignment.
• Participate in trade partner scope reviews and support negotiations to confirm proper scope, pricing, and contract alignment.
• Write contracts, purchase orders, and lead project handoff to support a smooth transition from estimating to operations.
• Build strong working relationships with trade partners, vendors, owners, architects, engineers, and internal project teams.
• Support a doer-seller culture by building relationships and identifying opportunities that may lead to expanded or new work.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field; or equivalent construction industry experience.
• Two or more years of experience in construction, estimating, preconstruction, project engineering, or a related role.
• Working knowledge of construction estimating, bidding, takeoffs, scope review, and bid-day preparation.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, contracts, and project requirements.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented approach with a focus on accuracy, documentation, and follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate with internal teams, clients, trade partners, and vendors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Bluebeam, and related business or estimating tools.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Timberline/Sage, Procore, Autodesk, Microsoft Project, or similar construction software.
• Experience supporting hard bid, design-build, and construction management delivery methods.
• Understanding of construction means and methods, market conditions, trade partner coverage, and procurement considerations.
• Interest in growing into a role that can lead estimates and take ownership of assigned bids.

Why Join DeMaria

• Be part of a collaborative team that values accuracy, accountability, relationships, and continuous improvement.
• Work on meaningful projects while gaining exposure to preconstruction, estimating, operations, trade partners, and client relationships.
• Contribute to a doer-seller culture where relationship-building and technical execution both matter.
• Grow your estimating knowledge through hands‑on project pursuit experience, mentorship, and team collaboration.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. The job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills an individual in this position may be asked to perform either now or in the future.

DeMaria is an Equal Opportunity Employer