Steel Estimator

Zak Human Solutions; Portland (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Simple IRA with match to 3%

Professional development opportunities

Company vehicle or vehicle allowance

Cell phone and laptop

Job summary

Head Steel in Portland, TN is seeking a Steel Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for structural and miscellaneous steel projects. You will review drawings, perform takeoffs, obtain vendor pricing, and prepare bids in collaboration with project managers and procurement.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of steel estimating experience, strong math and analytical skills, and proficiency with Excel and CAD/estimating software. This role offers competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating structural steel or miscellaneous metals.
• Ability to read structural and architectural drawings.
• Strong understanding of steel fabrication and erection practices.
• Excellent math and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Review architectural and structural drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
• Perform detailed material takeoffs for Structural steel, Miscellaneous metals, Stairs, Handrails, Platforms, Ladders, Bent plate, Embedded steel.
• Solicit and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Calculate material costs, labor hours, equipment, freight, galvanizing, paint, erection costs.
• Prepare complete project estimates using estimating software.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, and qualifications.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings when required.
• Work with project managers during project turnover.
• Prepare change order pricing.
• Track bid results and maintain estimating databases.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, contractors, suppliers, and engineers.
• Assist with value engineering opportunities.

Skills

Estimating

Reading drawings

Analytical math

Organizational skills

Communication

Bid management

Tools

Tekla PowerFab

Tekla EPM

Bluebeam Revu

FabSuite

AutoCAD

Excel

ERP/Estimating software

Job description

About Us

Head Steel is a family-owned and operated steel construction company based in Portland, TN, with deep roots in the community. We specialize in a wide range of steel services, including structural steel erection and fabrication, prefabricated building assembly, shear stud installation, rigging, and expert welding. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and personalized service has made us a trusted partner in the industry.

Position Summary

The Steel Estimator is responsible for reviewing plans and specifications, performing quantity takeoffs, obtaining vendor pricing, preparing accurate cost estimates, and submitting competitive bids for structural and miscellaneous steel projects. The estimator works closely with project managers, detailing, purchasing, and production to ensure projects are estimated accurately and profitably.

Essential Responsibilities

• Review architectural and structural drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
• Perform detailed material takeoffs for:
  • Structural steel
  • Miscellaneous metals
  • Stairs
  • Handrails
  • Platforms
  • Ladders
  • Bent plate
  • Embedded steel
• Solicit and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Calculate:
  • Material costs
  • Labor hours
  • Equipment requirements
  • Freight
  • Galvanizing
  • Paint
  • Erection costs
• Prepare complete project estimates using estimating software.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, and qualifications.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings when required.
• Work with project managers during project turnover.
• Prepare change order pricing.
• Track bid results and maintain estimating databases.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, contractors, suppliers, and engineers.
• Assist with value engineering opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating structural steel or miscellaneous metals preferred.
• Ability to read structural and architectural drawings.
• Strong understanding of steel fabrication and erection practices.
• Excellent math and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Preferred Software Experience

• Tekla PowerFab
• Tekla EPM
• Bluebeam Revu
• FabSuite
• AutoCAD
• Excel
• ERP/Estimating software

Knowledge of

• AISC Standards
• AWS Welding Codes
• OSHA regulations
• Structural steel fabrication
• Shop production methods
• Material purchasing
• Field erection practices

Skills

• Accurate quantity takeoffs
• Cost analysis
• Negotiation
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving
• Customer relationship management

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Ability to visit fabrication shop and construction sites.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Performance Expectations

The successful estimator will:

• Produce accurate, profitable bids.
• Meet bid deadlines consistently.
• Improve estimating efficiency.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers.
• Assist in growing annual sales.
• Support continuous process improvement.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience – $75,000 to $100,000
• Performance bonus based on profitable work won (often 5-15% of salary)
• Health insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Simple IRA with match to 3%
• Professional development opportunities
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance (for senior estimators)
• Cell phone and laptop

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented professional who enjoys solving problems and thrives in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate has experience in structural steel estimating, understands fabrication processes, and is committed to helping grow a customer-focused steel fabrication company.