Full-Time
Estimator
Preconstruction
Updated on 8/19/2026
S+B James Construction
Compensation Overview
$100k - $195k/yr
+ Discretionary bonus + Recruiting referral bonuses
No H1B Sponsorship
Irvine, CA, USA
In Person
The role is based in Southern California, including the Moreno Valley, Inland Empire, and Irvine areas.
Bachelor's
Category
 Operations & Logistics (1) |
|---|
Required Skills
Excel/Numbers/Sheets
Requirements
- Commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, project engineering, or related experience is required.
- Strong knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, materials, building systems, and costs is required.
- Experience with conceptual estimating, quantity takeoffs, hard bids, negotiated work, design-build, and/or guaranteed maximum price estimating is required.
- The candidate must be able to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
- Experience soliciting, reviewing, leveling, and analyzing subcontractor proposals is required.
- Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills are required.
- The candidate must have excellent attention to detail and be able to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams are required.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, takeoff and estimating software, building information modeling tools, and construction management platforms is required.
- All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Responsibilities
- Review and interpret project plans, specifications, addenda, and other contract documents to understand project scope and requirements.
- Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, general conditions, and other project costs.
- Develop conceptual, schematic, guaranteed maximum price, negotiated, design-build, and hard-bid estimates.
- Evaluate project documents for scope gaps, constructability concerns, cost risks, and opportunities.
- Develop and maintain estimates throughout the design process, including cost comparisons, variance analyses, and value-engineering options.
- Evaluate site logistics, sequencing, schedule requirements, productivity, and other factors that may impact project costs.
- Participate in estimate reviews and bid-day activities to ensure estimates are accurate, complete, and competitive.
- Develop bid packages, scopes of work, requests for quotations, requests for proposals, and subcontractor solicitation documents.
- Solicit, review, level, and analyze trade partner and supplier proposals for completeness and competitiveness.
- Build and maintain relationships with trade partners, suppliers, clients, and project teams.
- Communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, opportunities, and risks to project teams and leadership.
- Collaborate with Operations and Project Management to support the transition of awarded projects from Preconstruction to Operations.
- Participate in client meetings, interviews, presentations, and project pursuits as needed.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred; equivalent construction experience will be considered.
- HCAI, formerly OSHPD, healthcare estimating experience is highly preferred.
- DSA K-12 education estimating experience is highly preferred.
- Depending on experience, lead preconstruction efforts on complex projects and provide guidance and mentorship to junior estimating team members.