Engineering Estimator

🎯 Role Definition

As an Engineering Estimator, you are the financial architect of our future projects. You will be at the heart of our pre-construction and bidding process, meticulously translating project blueprints, specifications, and scope documents into comprehensive and accurate cost, time, and labor estimates. Your work is the critical foundation upon which successful, profitable projects are built, making you a vital link between our design, sales, and project execution teams. This position requires a unique blend of technical engineering knowledge, financial acumen, and sharp analytical skills to identify risks, uncover value-engineering opportunities, and ultimately drive our competitive edge in the market.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Junior Estimator / Estimating Assistant
Field Engineer / Site Engineer
CAD Technician / Drafter
Project Coordinator

Advancement To:

Senior Estimator / Lead Estimator
Chief Estimator / Estimating Manager
Project Manager
Pre-construction Manager

Lateral Moves:

Quantity Surveyor
Procurement Manager / Purchasing Agent
Contract Administrator
Project Controls Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Analyze blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare detailed, accurate, and timely cost estimates.
Perform comprehensive quantity take-offs for materials, labor, and equipment required for project completion.
Develop and prepare full cost estimates for conceptual, design-build, and hard-bid projects across various engineering disciplines.
Solicit, receive, and critically analyze quotes from subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to ensure pricing is competitive and compliant with project requirements.
Identify and quantify cost factors, including production time, raw materials, shipping, labor expenses, and overhead to establish a realistic budget.
Prepare and present detailed bid packages, cost breakdowns, and formal proposals for submission to clients and internal stakeholders.
Collaborate closely with engineers, architects, project managers, and clients to understand the full scope of work and resolve any ambiguities in bid documents.
Identify potential financial and operational risks within a project bid and develop strategies for mitigation.
Develop and maintain a robust historical cost database and pricing models to improve the accuracy and efficiency of future estimates.
Conduct thorough reviews of all proposal specifications and attend pre-bid meetings to determine the precise scope of work and required estimate contents.
Evaluate and recommend cost-saving opportunities and value engineering alternatives that maintain project quality and functionality.
Manage and prioritize multiple estimation projects concurrently, ensuring all deadlines for bid submissions are met without compromising quality.
Utilize advanced estimating software to prepare, verify, and present cost estimates in a clear and standardized format.
Develop preliminary project schedules and logistics plans to support the accuracy of the overall cost and time estimation.

Secondary Functions

Participate in project hand-off meetings to ensure the project management team has a thorough understanding of the project scope, budget, and bid strategy.
Assist the procurement team in negotiating prices and securing favorable terms with key suppliers and subcontractors.
Conduct post-bid and post-project analysis to compare estimated costs to actual costs, identifying variances and areas for future improvement.
Stay current with industry trends, new construction methods, material costs, and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive advantage.
Foster and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, subcontractors, and material suppliers.
Perform occasional site visits to gather critical information, understand site conditions, and identify potential constraints or challenges.
Support the project management team with change order pricing and cost analysis throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Cost Estimating Software: Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), Accubid, CostX, or similar platforms.
Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Expert ability to read, interpret, and analyze complex architectural, structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) drawings.
Advanced Excel Skills: Mastery of Microsoft Excel for data analysis, creating complex formulas, pivot tables, and detailed cost-breakdown sheets.
Quantity Take-offs: Demonstrated skill in accurately measuring and quantifying materials, labor, and equipment from project documents.
Cost Analysis & Control: Strong understanding of cost structures, pricing strategies, and the factors that influence project profitability.
Industry Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of construction, manufacturing, or a specific engineering discipline's means, methods, materials, and labor costs.
Value Engineering: Ability to identify alternative materials or methods to reduce costs without sacrificing quality or functionality.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of work, ensuring the accuracy of every calculation and data point.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Strong ability to dissect complex problems, evaluate information from multiple sources, and make sound, data-driven judgments.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for liaising with internal teams, clients, and vendors.
Negotiation Skills: Capable of effectively negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors to achieve favorable pricing and terms.
Time Management & Organization: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying potential issues and resourceful in finding effective and timely solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of technical training and/or related experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline, Construction Management, or a related field.
Professional certification from organizations like the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) is highly regarded.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
Construction Management or Construction Science
Quantity Surveying

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of direct experience in cost estimating within the construction, manufacturing, or engineering services industry.

Preferred:

Demonstrable experience estimating projects of similar size, scope, and complexity to those undertaken by our organization. A strong portfolio of successfully bid projects is highly desirable.