Kwame Building Group (KBG) is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our aviation team. This position will play a key role in the successful pursuit and delivery of airport terminal and aviation infrastructure projects by developing accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates from preconstruction through project award.
Position Summary
The Estimator is responsible for preparing comprehensive construction cost estimates for aviation projects, including airport terminals, concourses, parking structures, airfield improvements, and related infrastructure. The successful candidate will collaborate with project managers, engineers, design teams, subcontractors, and trade partners to ensure estimates are complete, competitive, and aligned with project requirements, schedules, and client expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare conceptual, schematic design, design development, and detailed construction estimates for aviation projects.
- Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, addenda, and other contract documents to develop accurate cost breakdowns.
- Perform quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
- Solicit, analyze, level, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals.
- Develop project budgets, bid packages, GMP estimates, cost models, and proposal pricing.
- Identify scope gaps, project risks, constructability concerns, value-engineering opportunities, and potential cost-saving solutions.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, designers, owners, and other stakeholders throughout preconstruction and bidding.
- Maintain current knowledge of construction market conditions, material pricing, labor rates, escalation, and industry trends.
- Support bid reviews, scope clarification, subcontractor negotiations, buyout, and post-bid activities.
- Maintain organized estimating files, historical cost data, assumptions, clarifications, and supporting documentation.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 7 years of construction estimating experience, with significant experience on large, complex commercial or aviation projects.
- Demonstrated experience estimating airport terminals, concourses, parking facilities, airfield or landside infrastructure, or comparable complex facilities.
- Strong understanding of construction means and methods, phasing, logistics, scheduling, and cost-control principles.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and specialty-system drawings and specifications.
- Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, organization, and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and construction estimating/takeoff software such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar platforms.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and extensive relevant estimating experience may be considered.
Preferred Aviation Experience
- Experience working on active airport projects with complex phasing and operational constraints.
- Knowledge of airport security, badging, access, and operational requirements.
- Experience with FAA-funded projects and public procurement requirements is a plus.
- Experience supporting DBE/ACDBE participation goals, subcontractor outreach, and compliance efforts is preferred.
- Experience with LEED, sustainability, or other high-performance building requirements is a plus.
KBG Expectations
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct and adhere to KBG's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Maintain a proven track record of upholding workplace safety and the ability to abide by KBG's health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
- Demonstrate creativity, foresight, sound professional judgment, and the ability to successfully manage multiple projects and assignments.
