Senior Estimator - Advanced Tech & Life Sciences

DPR Construction; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm based in Austin, Texas is seeking a Senior Estimator with at least 8 years of commercial construction experience. The ideal candidate will manage projects through detailed cost evaluations and collaborate closely with architects and subcontractors. Proficiency in estimating software and a strong work ethic are essential. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative construction solutions in a dynamic team environment. Competitive compensation and professional growth are expected.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in commercial construction estimation, particularly in advanced technology and life sciences.
• Excellent listening and communication skills required.
• Ability to resolve complex issues effectively.

Responsibilities

• Estimate project costs from start to finish, handling all subcontract formalities.
• Collaborate with project teams and establish requirements.
• Prepare detailed conceptual cost estimates and manage variances.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Excellent listening skills

Strong communication skills

Adaptability

Team participation

Problem-solving

Creative and innovative thinking

Education

8+ years of experience as a commercial construction estimator

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Estimating software (WinEst, Timberline)

Take-off software (On-Screen Takeoff)

BIM tools (Revit, Assemble)

Project management software (CMiC)

Scheduling software (Primavera)

Job description

Job Description

DPR Construction is seeking a Senior Estimator with at least 8 years of commercial construction experience. Estimators will work primarily on negotiated commercial projects within our core markets: advanced technology and life sciences. Senior estimators will work closely with architects, engineers, owners, and subcontractors and are required to have the following skills:

• Handling the project from first estimate all the way through subcontracts being formalized.
• Ability to look beyond the information that has been given, to ask the right questions and work to provide a complete project cost evaluation.
• Must be a collaborative and passionate advocate for our customers, empowering and informing them throughout the project.
• Must be aggressive in providing innovative solutions to complex issues as they arise related to cost, lead-times, trade partners, and/or specified products or materials.
• Ability to make reliable predictions as it relates to cost and be comfortable estimating across all scopes of work.
• Must have experience preparing detailed conceptual cost estimates and conceptual cost studies from schematic or feasibility-level documentation.
• Ability to prepare detailed estimates and, as the design evolves, develop variance summaries between estimates and value engineering studies throughout.
• Ability to assemble a complete presentation-worthy estimate package that clearly communicates project cost.
• Must be able to collaborate with project team to establish the necessary staffing and project requirements.
• Must have knowledge and understanding of unit costs and the factors that affect construction cost.
• Ability to prepare detailed instructions to bidders, trade specific clarifications and comprehensive bid packages.
• Must have experience with the bidding process: soliciting bids, communicating with the bidders, evaluating subcontractor proposals, using bid tally sheets, etc.
• Make subcontractor award recommendations to customer/owner and the negotiation and finalization of subcontracts with trade partners.
• Must be prepared to participate and often lead the preparation and presentation of cost / budget information to the customer/owner.
• Must have experience being a member of the team involved in request for proposal responses (RFP’s) and the formal presentation for a project.
• Ability to engage and develop business with new and existing customers.
• Ability to lead the preparation and presentation of cost / budget information to the customer/owner.
• Ability to lead and facilitate value engineering sessions with the project team and design team.
• Is a key participant with leadership experience involved in request for proposal responses (RFP’s) and the formal presentation for a project.
• Must be familiar with reviewing construction contracts and can identify key insurance and damages clauses.
• Can lead, manage and motivate project teams during the preconstruction phase of a project.

Qualifications

We are looking for a flexible, detail-oriented team player with the ability to manage multiple tasks, produce quality work, and consistently meet deadlines. The successful candidate will possess:

• Excellent listening skills and strong communication skills.
• Creative and innovative approaches and solutions on a project‑by‑project basis.
• Ability to identify, adapt to, and resolve complex issues.
• Effective participation in team environment, with both external and internal teammates.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, estimating software (WinEst, Timberline or similar), take‑off software (On‑Screen Takeoff or similar), BIM tools (Revit, Assemble, etc.), project management software (CMiC or similar), and scheduling software (Primavera or similar).
• 8+ years of experience as a commercial construction estimator preferably within DPR’s core markets.
• Bachelor’s degree a plus but not required.
• A strong work ethic and a “can‑do” attitude.

DPR Construction is a forward‑thinking, self‑performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee‑owned company that has grown into a multi‑billion‑dollar family of companies with offices around the world.

Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore unique paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together—by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.

Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers.