Project Estimator

SL Recruit; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SL Recruit partners with a well-established general contractor in the DMV to recruit a Construction Estimator. You will prepare estimates across all project phases for commercial construction, helping drive successful bids in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of GC estimating experience, strong Excel and takeoff software skills, and a proven ability to coordinate with preconstruction, PMs, and clients to win work.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating experience with a general contractor.
• Proven experience estimating commercial projects in the DMV market.
• Proficiency with CSI divisions, construction means and methods, and contract documents.
• Ability to manage multiple pursuits and meet deadlines with strong client-facing presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates at all project phases (conceptual to final GMP).
• Solicit, review, and level subcontractor bids; identify scope gaps and value-engineering opportunities.
• Build and maintain detailed cost databases using current market pricing and data.
• Collaborate with preconstruction, project management, and operations teams to align estimates with plans.
• Participate in constructability reviews and design-assist efforts with architects and engineers.
• Assist with developing project schedules and logistics plans during pursuit.
• Prepare and present estimate summaries, budgets, and bid-day recommendations to leadership and clients.
• Track market conditions and subcontractor availability across the DMV region.
• Support smooth handoff of awarded projects from preconstruction to field/project management.

Skills

Estimating software proficiency

Microsoft Excel

Client communication

Tools

Estimating takeoff software

Excel

Job description

We are partnering with a well-established general contractor with active work across the DMV to find their next Construction Estimator. If you love variety, thrive on repeat client work, and want to run estimates across all phases of a pursuit this one's worth a conversation.

About the Role

The Estimator will prepare accurate, competitive estimates across all phases of project pursuits from conceptual budgeting through final GMP for commercial construction projects throughout the DMV. This is a strong opportunity for an estimator who wants to work across a variety of project types and markets with a firm that has consistent, repeat work in the pipeline.

What You'll Do

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates at all project phases (conceptual, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and final GMP/hard bid)
• Solicit, review, and level subcontractor and vendor bids/proposals across all CSI divisions; identify scope gaps, qualify bids, and flag value-engineering opportunities
• Build and maintain detailed cost databases using current market pricing, historical data, and production rates
• Collaborate with preconstruction, project management, and operations teams to align estimates with project execution plans
• Participate in constructability reviews and design-assist efforts alongside architects and engineers
• Assist with developing project schedules and logistics plans during the pursuit phase
• Prepare and present estimate summaries, budget comparisons, and bid-day recommendations to leadership and clients
• Track market conditions, material pricing trends, and subcontractor availability across the DMV region
• Support a smooth handoff of awarded projects from preconstruction to the field/project management team

What You Bring

• 5+ years of estimating experience with a general contractor (GC estimating background required)
• Proven experience estimating commercial projects across the DMV market
• Proficiency with estimating takeoff software and Microsoft Excel
• Strong understanding of CSI divisions, construction means and methods, and contract documents
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent pursuits and deadlines, with strong communication and presentation skills for client- and leadership-facing bid presentations