Sr. Construction Estimator

Veritas Search Group; Ontario (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veritas Search Group is seeking a Sr. Construction Estimator for onsite roles in Ontario, CA.

The role focuses on developing accurate budgets for industrial, warehouse, and cold storage projects across preconstruction phases. Responsibilities include takeoffs, pricing of major trades, bid analyses, value engineering, and collaboration with developers, designers, and project teams to optimize cost and schedule performance.

Qualifications

• Experience developing conceptual budgets and detailed estimates.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, civil, structural, and engineering drawings.
• Experience with industrial, warehouse, or cold storage projects.
• Proficiency in Excel and estimating software.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, preliminary, and detailed budgets from plans and data.
• Develop estimates for major trades including concrete, steel, mechanical, electrical, plumbing.
• Review drawings to assess scope and cost impacts.
• Update budgets as designs change and pricing evolves.
• Provide value engineering and constructability input.
• Analyze bids from subcontractors for price accuracy and scope alignment.
• Support design-build activities with proposals and schedules of value.
• Participate in preconstruction meetings and document cost considerations.
• Assist with RFP responses and bid submissions.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and maintain estimating records.
• Collaborate with project teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Mentor junior estimators as needed.

Skills

Construction estimating

Budgeting

Preconstruction

Cost analysis

Reading drawings

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

Vendor coordination

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

CAD software

Job description

This role requires candidates who are currently authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship, and C2C arrangements are not accepted. This role is onsite in Ontario, CA.

Position Summary

The Sr. Construction Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and comprehensive construction budgets for industrial, warehouse, and cold storage projects. This position supports all phases of preconstruction, from early conceptual estimates through detailed budgeting, design-build coordination, and competitive bidding. The role works closely with developers, subcontractors, project managers, and internal teams to evaluate construction costs, identify potential risks, and recommend cost-effective solutions that align with project objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, preliminary, and detailed construction budgets utilizing historical cost data, quantity takeoffs, engineering plans, and subcontractor pricing.

• Develop accurate estimates for major construction trades, including grading, concrete, structural steel, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection.

• Review architectural, civil, structural, and engineering drawings to evaluate project scope, construction requirements, and potential cost impacts.

• Update budgets throughout the preconstruction process to reflect design modifications, material pricing, building code changes, and evolving project requirements.

• Partner with developers and design teams to provide value engineering recommendations, constructability insights, and cost-effective design alternatives.

• Solicit, analyze, and compare competitive subcontractor bids to ensure pricing accuracy, scope alignment, and compliance with project specifications.

• Support design-build activities by evaluating subcontractor proposals, coordinating with specialty trades, and recommending appropriate solutions.

• Participate in preconstruction meetings to address budgeting, project feasibility, construction methods, and technical requirements.

• Assist with RFP responses, competitive bid submissions, project proposals, schedules of value, and supporting estimating documentation.

• Evaluate building systems, materials, and construction methods to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved project efficiency.

• Maintain accurate estimating records, project budgets, cost comparisons, and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

• Collaborate with project management teams during construction to address estimating discrepancies, scope changes, and subcontractor-related issues.

• Provide guidance, training, and oversight to junior estimators as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in construction estimating, preliminary budgeting, or preconstruction, preferably within industrial, warehouse, or cold storage construction.

• Demonstrated ability to develop conceptual estimates, detailed budgets, quantity takeoffs, and competitive bid evaluations.

• Solid understanding of construction methods, building systems, materials, building codes, and cost drivers across major trades.

• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze architectural, civil, structural, and engineering drawings.

• Experience coordinating with subcontractors, vendors, developers, and construction project teams.

• Knowledge of design-build processes, value engineering, and construction cost optimization.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and construction estimating software.

• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple estimates, competing priorities, and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of identifying project risks and developing practical solutions.