Steel Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Review architectural and structural drawings, specifications, and bid documents to fully understand project scope and requirements
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from architectural and structural drawings for structural steel, miscellaneous metals, bolts, welds, decking, coatings, and related materials
• Prepare detailed cost estimates and bid proposals for structural steel erection projects, including quantity takeoffs, subcontractor pricing, labor forecasting, and material cost analysis
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates covering fabrication, shop labor, field erection, equipment, crane services, and subcontracted work
• Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor and vendor pricing to ensure competitive procurement and cost control (steel suppliers, galvanizers, painters, crane services, decking, etc.)
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, fabricators, and detailing teams to clarify scope requirements and resolve discrepancies prior to bid submission
• Coordinate with preconstruction teams throughout the estimating and bidding process to ensure alignment on scope and strategy
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, risks, and value engineering opportunities to improve competitiveness and project profitability
• Develop complete bid proposals, pricing summaries, and supporting documentation for submission deadlines
• Maintain and update historical cost databases to improve estimating accuracy and benchmarking over time
• Participate in bid reviews, handoff meetings, and turnover discussions with operations and project execution teams

Additional Project & Leadership Experience:

• Managed over 35 projects, coordinating full construction planning and material procurement strategies from preconstruction through execution
• Maintained project schedules and budgets while serving as project leader, ensuring timely delivery and cost control
• Collaborated closely with project stakeholders to quickly identify, troubleshoot, and resolve field and coordination issues
• Enforced strict safety compliance in accordance with OSHA regulations and MSDS documentation requirements
• Developed and submitted competitive bids that secured approximately $20M in new business volume

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in structural steel estimating or steel construction industry
• Ability to read and interpret structural steel drawings and specifications (AISC standards strongly preferred)
• Strong understanding of fabrication, welding, erection sequencing, and field installation methods
• Knowledge of construction sequencing, crane operations, rigging, and field logistics
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software platforms
• High attention to detail with ability to perform under tight bid deadlines and fast-paced environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in structural steel detailing, project management, or field erection
• Experience with commercial construction bidding and negotiated work
• Familiarity with AISC standards and structural steel industry best practices
• Prior experience in a steel fabrication or erection estimating department