Senior Estimator

Plank, LLC; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Plank Construction Services in Schenectady, NY is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction efforts for commercial construction projects. This role is critical to developing accurate, competitive bids and securing new work.

You will manage the full bid lifecycle, perform quantity takeoffs with digital tools, review documents for scope gaps and risks, and coordinate with subs, clients, and internal teams to deliver proposals on time.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in commercial construction estimating.
• Strong knowledge of general construction means and methods.
• Proven ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in estimating and takeoff software (On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, or similar).
• Experience with AI-driven or advanced construction technology is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full estimating and bid process from document review through submission.
• Develop complete, accurate cost estimates aligned with drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs using digital tools (On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, or similar).
• Analyze project documents to identify scope gaps, risks, and cost drivers.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor pricing.
• Ensure all scopes are covered and properly carried within each estimate.
• Identify and communicate project risks, and develop strategies to competitively mitigate them.
• Lead and facilitate internal bid reviews with leadership.
• Prepare proposals, scope narratives, and clarifications for submission.
• Develop preliminary project schedules when required.
• Ensure compliance with project requirements, including MWBE and SDVOB participation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Track estimate performance and continuously improve pricing accuracy and processes.

Skills

Bid management

Leadership

Communication

Reading plans

Team collaboration

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam

Microsoft 365

AI tools

Job description

2165 Technology Dr, Schenectady, NY 12308, USA

Full-Time

Compensation

$90,000 - $120,000 per year, based on experience

About the Company

Founded in 1976, Plank Construction Services is a trusted general contractor serving New York’s Capital Region, specializing in Commercial General Construction, Design‑Build, and Construction Management. The company is known for being Dedicated, Passionate, and Dependable, consistently delivering successful projects through clear communication, strong relationships, and reliable execution.

About the Role

Plank Construction is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead our estimating and preconstruction efforts. This role is critical to our continued growth and success, responsible for developing accurate, competitive bids and helping secure new work. The ideal candidate is a strong leader who can manage the full bid lifecycle, identify project risks, and collaborate effectively with internal teams, subcontractors, and clients.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the full estimating and bid process from document review through submission

Develop complete, accurate cost estimates aligned with drawings, specifications, and contracts

Perform detailed quantity takeoffs using digital tools (On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, or similar)

Analyze project documents to identify scope gaps, risks, and cost drivers

Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor pricing

Ensure all scopes are covered and properly carried within each estimate

Identify and communicate project risks, and develop strategies to competitively mitigate them

Lead and facilitate internal bid reviews with leadership

Prepare proposals, scope narratives, and clarifications for submission

Develop preliminary project schedules when required

Ensure compliance with project requirements, including MWBE and SDVOB participation

Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers

Track estimate performance and continuously improve pricing accuracy and processes

Ideal Candidate

5–10+ years of experience in commercial construction estimating

Strong knowledge of general construction means and methods

Proven ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Proficiency in estimating and takeoff software (On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, or similar)

Experience with AI-driven or advanced construction technology is a plus

Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and contract documents

Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills

Ability to review team output and provide clear, actionable feedback

Understanding of the Upstate New York subcontractor market preferred

Preferred Experience (not required)

What You Can Expect

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Equal Opportunity Statement

Plank Construction Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.