REMOTE Estimator - General Contractor

ACTalent; United States; Remote; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ACTalent is seeking an experienced Estimator for a fully remote, 6-week contract to support large-scale construction projects. The role focuses on true cost planning and measurement-based estimating, progressing from conceptual phases through construction documents.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of hands-on construction estimating in cost consultancy or general contracting, and can develop trade-level estimates from drawings independently. Remote collaboration with teams is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on construction estimating experience.
• Experience across the full design lifecycle (conceptual to construction documents).
• Proficiency with CostX, Bluebeam or similar take-off/estimating software.
• Advanced Excel skills for cost models.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and measurement-based estimating across trades.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates.
• Prepare cost plans, budgets, and feasibility estimates for large-scale projects.
• Review drawings/specs to determine quantities, pricing, assumptions and risks.
• Independently develop trade-level estimates and validate pricing at each design stage.
• Incorporate methods, constructability, labor/material costs, and escalation into estimates.
• Provide value engineering and cost-saving alternatives while preserving project scope.
• Collaborate remotely with design teams, clients, and stakeholders to align scope and budget.
• Support benchmarking, cost databases, and historical cost analysis.
• Develop and maintain Excel-based cost models and estimating docs.
• Prepare cost reports for client presentations and project discussions.

Skills

Quantity take-offs

Measurement-based estimating

Conceptual estimates

Trade-level estimates

Excel

Tools

CostX

Bluebeam

Job description

Estimator | Remote | 6-Week Contract

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Estimator for a fully remote, 6-week contract assignment supporting large-scale, complex construction projects.

This position is focused on true cost planning and measurement-based estimating, rather than bid-level estimating. The Estimator will perform detailed quantity take-offs and develop estimates throughout the full design lifecycle, from early conceptual and schematic phases through construction documents.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of hands-on construction estimating experience within a cost consultancy, preconstruction team, or general contractor environment and is comfortable independently developing trade-level estimates from drawings and specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and measurement-based estimating across multiple construction trades and building systems.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates.
• Prepare detailed cost plans, project budgets, and feasibility estimates for large-scale construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, and design documents to determine quantities, pricing, assumptions, and potential cost risks.
• Independently develop trade-level estimates and validate pricing throughout each stage of design.
• Incorporate construction methods, constructability, labor/material costs, escalation, and other market factors into estimates.
• Provide value engineering and cost-saving alternatives while maintaining overall project intent and quality.
• Collaborate remotely with design teams, clients, and project stakeholders to align scope and budget.
• Support benchmarking, cost database development, and historical cost analysis.
• Develop and maintain Excel-based cost models and estimating documentation.
• Prepare cost reports and supporting information for client presentations and project team discussions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on construction estimating experience.
• Strong background in commercial construction and large-scale projects.
• Demonstrated experience performing detailed quantity take-offs and building estimates directly from drawings and specifications.
• Experience estimating across the full design lifecycle, including conceptual, schematic, design development, construction documents, and preconstruction.
• Experience with multiple trades and scopes, including civil, architectural, facade/exterior, and roofing.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, trade-specific cost drivers, labor/material pricing, and constructability.
• Previous experience within a cost consultancy, general contractor, or major preconstruction team.
• Proficiency with CostX, Bluebeam, or similar digital take-off/estimating software.
• Advanced Excel skills with experience developing and maintaining cost models.
• Ability to independently manage estimates and deliver accurate work within a short project timeline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for explaining estimate methodology, assumptions, allowances, and scope gaps.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NYC commercial construction projects and regional market pricing.
• background supporting high-profile, large-scale commercial or urban construction projects.
• Experience working from an owner's or cost consultant's perspective.
• International cost consultancy experience.
• MRICS qualification or related quantity surveying/cost management background is a plus.

Contract Details

• Contract Length: 6 weeks
• Work Arrangement: Fully Remote
• Position Type: Contract
• Candidates must be comfortable working independently in a remote environment and immediately contributing to active estimating and cost-planning efforts.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of New York, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $65.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of New York, NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.