Sr Estimator/Estimator -Federal & Government Construction

Iron Sky Recruiting; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Iron Sky Recruiting seeks an experienced Estimator/Senior Estimator to join a growing construction team focused on Federal, Military, State, and Local government projects in the United States. The role requires strong government contracting experience and leadership to manage multiple solicitations while mentoring junior staff.

The position emphasizes thorough quantity takeoffs, compliant bid proposals, and disciplined cost controls to optimize profitability across public-sector bids.

Qualifications

• Experience as Estimator or Senior Estimator in commercial construction.
• Experience estimating for Federal, Military, State, and Local government agencies.
• Strong knowledge of cost control principles and pricing methodologies.
• Experience preparing compliant government bid proposals and solicitations.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and PDF editing software (Adobe Acrobat, Bluebeam, etc.)
• Scheduling experience using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Exceptional analytical and organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue public-sector construction opportunities.
• Review bid documents, drawings, and specifications to determine scope and qualifications.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates through thorough quantity takeoffs and scope analysis.
• Develop General Conditions pricing and bid strategy.
• Prepare complete bid proposals, narratives, and project descriptions.
• Develop preliminary project schedules using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6.
• Solicit, review, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Ensure subcontractor proposals comply with plans and specifications.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to evaluate scope and risk.
• Monitor cost controls and recommend strategies to enhance profitability.
• Maintain organized estimating records using Bluebeam, Adobe Acrobat, and related tools.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and field leadership during preconstruction.
• Manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously with minimal supervision.

Skills

Estimating

Government contracting

Reading drawings

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Cost control knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Bluebeam

PDF editing

Microsoft Project

Primavera P6

Job description

Job Description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Estimator / Senior Estimator to join a growing construction team specializing in Federal, Military, State, and Local government projects. This role is ideal for a seasoned estimating professional who thrives in a competitive, fast-paced bidding environment and brings strong government contracting experience. Federal estimating experience is required. Senior-level candidates should demonstrate leadership capability and the ability to manage multiple solicitations concurrently while mentoring junior staff and driving estimating strategy.

Position Summary

The Estimator / Senior Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive cost estimates and comprehensive bid proposals for public sector construction projects. This role collaborates closely with project management and field teams during preconstruction to ensure scope clarity, pricing accuracy, and strategic positioning. Success in this role means producing disciplined, well-documented estimates that enhance profitability while maintaining compliance with government solicitation requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue public-sector construction opportunities
• Review bid documents, drawings, and specifications to determine scope and qualifications
• Prepare detailed cost estimates through thorough quantity takeoffs and scope analysis
• Develop General Conditions pricing and bid strategy
• Prepare complete bid proposals, narratives, and project descriptions
• Develop preliminary project schedules using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6
• Solicit, review, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing
• Ensure subcontractor proposals comply with plans and specifications
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to evaluate scope and risk
• Monitor cost controls and recommend strategies to enhance profitability
• Maintain organized estimating records using Bluebeam, Adobe Acrobat, and related tools
• Collaborate with Project Managers and field leadership during preconstruction
• Manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously with minimal supervision

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator in commercial construction
• Direct experience estimating and/or managing projects for Federal, Military, State, and Local government agencies
• Strong knowledge of construction cost control principles and pricing methodologies
• Experience preparing compliant government bid proposals and solicitations
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and PDF editing software (Adobe Acrobat, Bluebeam, etc.)
• Scheduling experience using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Exceptional analytical and organizational skills

Preferred

• Prior field or construction site experience
• Leadership experience (for Senior-level candidates)

Ideal Candidate Profile

Self-motivated and able to work independently. Comfortable managing multiple active solicitations. Strategic thinker focused on profitability and risk mitigation. Detail-oriented with disciplined documentation practices. Strong collaborator who supports project teams during preconstruction.

Location

Longview, Washington

Compensation

Competitive DOE

Why This Opportunity

• Competitive compensation aligned with Federal experience and leadership capability
• Strong pipeline of public-sector work
• Opportunity to influence bid strategy and profitability
• High visibility role within a growing construction organization
• Stable, long-term career opportunity in government construction