Estimator III

Orion Engineers

$105K — $170K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management and 6 years of relevant experience, or equivalent experience level with 10 years in cost estimates
  • AACE's CEP (Certified Estimating Professional) or similar certification preferred
  • Experience with heavy highway construction estimating
  • Proficiency in using estimating tools like Sage Timberline and HCSS HeavyBid
  • Knowledge of design requirements for roads and bridges

Responsibilities

  • Conducts detailed cost estimates using a structured approach, summarizing component costs accurately
  • Executes conceptual estimating to project cost prior to design development, ensuring adherence to financial guidelines
  • Aids in price negotiations and obtains materials cost information for client presentations
  • Creates detailed cost estimates for professional services and construction activities
  • Collaborates with scheduling to align cost estimates with construction timelines
  • Analyzes specifications and historical data to inform accurate construction cost assessments
  • Prepares independent cost analyses and updates for change orders

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Vision insurance
  • Wellness resources
  • 401(k) with matching
  • Performance-based bonuses
  • Company events and parties
  • Free food and snacks
Full Job Description
Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Vision insurance
  • Wellness resources
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Company parties
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Free food & snacks


This opportunity entails preparing all aspects of detailed cost estimates with minimal supervision for projects that are generally larger and more complex estimating assignments. Accurately projecting the cost of upcoming projects. Responsible for conceptual, definitive, man-hour, and equipment factored total installed cost estimates. Duties may also include preparing economic cost studies, cash flows, and contingency analyses.

Responsibilities
  • Performs detailed cost estimates utilizing the Cost Breakdown Structure, determining the cost of each item from experience and summarizing the total. Prepares detailed breakdown of components and elements of estimates for systems and subsystems.
  • Performs conceptual estimating by establishing a project's cost prior to development of graphical representation of a facility. Works closely with the project supervisor to ensure the project estimate meets all financial and regulatory guidelines. Operates and provides oversight and guidance on the use of selected estimating software.
  • Provides support in price negotiations. Obtains cost information for materials and services. Participates in client presentations as required.
  • Performs detailed cost estimates for professional services.
  • Develops duration estimates of specific construction activities based on assumed construction approach and appropriate production rates. Prepares independent cost estimates for submitted change order proposals.
  • Collaborates with scheduling team to develop productivity-based cost estimates and to ensure alignment of estimates to construction schedules.
  • Analyzes specifications, drawings, sketches, and sample layouts to calculate total construction cost using labor, material, and equipment pricing schedules in concert with historical data.
  • Reviews contractual documents and contract modifications to determine scope of work and scope changes.
  • Accumulates, evaluates, and documents historical cost data and construction means and methods to maintain current estimating standards and databases.
  • Prepares takeoffs on complex projects, drawings, and plans with project management and checks for mathematical and technical accuracy. Assigns material costs and staffing costs to the takeoffs.
  • Supports the preparation of procurement documents related to Estimating Specifications.

Daily responsibilities:
  • Prepares reviews of engineers estimates for complex civil contracts,
  • Compiles independent quantity take-offs on major projects for quality check purposes,
  • Prepares independent change order estimates for construction contracts
  • Updates cost forecasts for upcoming work,
  • Analyzes bid tabulations,
  • Updates price database, and
  • Produces economic cost studies, cash flows, and contingency analyses

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related degree and 6 years relevant experience, or
  • In lieu of education, 10 years relevant experience with the development of cost estimates

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:
  • AACE's CEP (Certified Estimating Professional) or equivalent designation
  • Experience developing cost estimates and quantity takeoffs in heavy highway construction
  • Experience estimating and bidding projects with a general contractor or subcontractor on heavy civil projects
  • Familiarity with basic design requirements for roads and bridges
  • Experience preparing cost estimates using a variety of Estimating tools, including Excel spreadsheets, Sage Timberline, HCSS HeavyBid, and/or other estimating software


Compensation: $105,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year

At Orion Engineers, we bring precision, innovation, and dedication to every project we deliver. As a veteran-owned firm, we combine technical excellence with a culture of trust, accountability, and collaboration-building infrastructure that strengthens communities and supports growth.

From buildings to transportation systems to utility networks, our team partners with clients to deliver practical, reliable, and forward-looking solutions that exceed expectations.

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