Senior Steel Estimator

RAI

$75K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience estimating structural steel projects in the $1M-$15M range.
  • Strong knowledge of steel fabrication methods and shop operations.
  • Proficiency with Bluebeam and Tekla EPM/PowerFab; model-based estimating is a plus.
  • Familiar with AISC Steel Construction Manual and AWS D1.1 welding code.
  • Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines while ensuring accuracy.
  • Strong communication skills to convey technical information clearly.
  • Experience leading post-bid interviews and client discussions preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the estimating process for structural steel projects, including take-offs and proposal preparation.
  • Develop accurate fabrication labor hours using estimating software and industry knowledge.
  • Analyze design drawings to identify scope gaps and constructability challenges.
  • Collaborate with project managers and shop teams to align estimates with production capabilities.
  • Communicate with vendors and subcontractors to secure pricing and clarify project scopes.
  • Support design-assist efforts by advising clients on steel scope and sequencing.
  • Mentor junior estimators and contribute to best practices in estimating.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary with annual bonus program.
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits.
  • PTO and company-paid holidays.
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Relocation assistance available.
  • Hybrid or remote work flexibility based on experience.
  • Individualized growth and development plans.
Full Job Description
Senior Steel Estimator

Location: Athens, GA
  • Relocation assistance available
  • Potential for hybrid or remote schedule (based on experience)


About Reinicke Athens, Inc.

Reinicke Athens, Inc. (RAI) is a single-source steel fabricator and industrial construction firm providing a full range of design, engineering, fabrication, and erection services. As an AISC-certified fabricator and erector with complete in-house capabilities-including robotic equipment, in-house detailing, blasting, and painting-we deliver unmatched responsiveness, flexibility, and coordination across every phase of a project.

RAI is growing, and we are intentional about building long-term leadership from within. This role is designed for an experienced estimator who wants both impact today and a growth path toward senior leadership.

Position Overview

RAI is seeking an experienced Senior Steel Estimator with strong fabrication expertise to lead the estimating of complex structural steel projects. This is a high-visibility role with direct influence on project selection, pricing strategy, and company profitability.

As a senior member of the estimating team, you will not only prepare accurate and competitive estimates, but also help shape estimating standards, mentor developing estimators, and partner closely with operations and leadership. This position offers long-term growth opportunities and increased leadership responsibility over time, with potential exposure to estimating leadership functions as the company grows.

Key Responsibilities
  • Own and lead all phases of the estimating process for structural steel projects, including detailed take-offs, labor hour development, buyouts, and proposal preparation.
  • Develop accurate fabrication labor hours across shop functions using estimating software, historical data, and hands-on fabrication knowledge.
  • Analyze design drawings and specifications to identify scope gaps, risk exposure, constructability challenges, and value-engineering opportunities.
  • Collaborate closely with project managers, shop leadership, detailers, and field teams to align estimates with real production capabilities.
  • Lead communication with vendors, subcontractors, and GC/EPC partners to secure competitive pricing and clarify scope and schedule assumptions.
  • Support preconstruction and design-assist efforts by advising clients and partners on steel scope, sequencing, and constructability.
  • Participate in post-bid interviews and client meetings as a technical and fabrication subject matter expert.
  • Mentor junior estimators and contribute to the development of estimating best practices, templates, and standardized processes.
  • Provide feedback and insights to leadership on market conditions, pricing trends, and risk management.


Qualifications
  • 5+ years of progressive experience estimating structural steel fabrication projects, typically in the $1M-$15M+ range.
  • Strong working knowledge of steel fabrication methods, shop operations, and erection sequencing.
  • Proficiency with Bluebeam and Tekla EPM/PowerFab (or comparable estimating platforms); experience with model-based estimating preferred.
  • Solid understanding of AISC Steel Construction Manual, AWS D1.1 welding code, and applicable industry standards.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to internal teams and external partners.
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite, especially Excel.
  • Experience leading post-bid interviews and client discussions strongly preferred.
  • Steel erection and/or miscellaneous metals estimating experience is a plus.
  • 3D modeling or steel detailing experience (SDS/2 or similar) is a plus.


Growth & Career Path

This role is structured as a senior-level contributor with the opportunity to take on expanded responsibility and influence over time.

A successful Senior Steel Estimator may have opportunities to:
  • Take on increasing ownership of complex, high-value bids
  • Influence estimating standards, pricing approaches, and risk evaluation
  • Mentor and support the development of junior estimators
  • Partner with estimating leadership and operations on workload planning and process improvement

As RAI continues to grow, this role may evolve to include broader estimating leadership responsibilities based on performance, business needs, and organizational structure. Growth is supported through individualized development plans, increased exposure to leadership decision-making, and recognition of performance and impact.

Rewards & Benefits
  • Competitive salary with annual bonus program
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits
  • PTO and company-paid holidays
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Relocation assistance available
  • Hybrid or remote flexibility based on experience
  • Individualized growth and development plans
  • Recognition and rewards for service excellence


Why Join RAI?

At RAI, senior estimators are trusted partners in the business-not back-office number generators. Your work directly impacts which projects we pursue, how we execute them, and how the company grows.

If you are an experienced steel estimator looking for greater influence, long-term growth, and a clear path to leadership, RAI offers the opportunity to build something meaningful.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

RAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a drug-free workplace, and all employment offers are contingent upon successful drug screening and E-Verification.

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