Senior Estimator
Company: Signature
Industry: Federal Construction & Renovation
Region: Mid-Atlantic / Metro Washington DC Area
Introduction
Signature specializes in:
- General contracting
- Mechanical construction
- Electrical construction
- Architectural renovation
- Multi-discipline construction projects
Primary clients include federal agencies throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Position Summary
The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading estimating and preconstruction efforts, including:
- Writing scopes of work
- Performing quantity takeoffs
- Managing subcontractor coordination
- Preparing proposals and bid documents
- Supporting contract awards
- Assisting with preconstruction planning
This role also mentors estimating staff and collaborates closely with project management teams.
Typical Project Size
- $250,000 – $10,000,000
- Some projects exceed $20,000,000
Duties & ResponsibilitiesEstimating & Preconstruction
- Review project documents and develop subcontractor scopes of work.
- Coordinate with design partners on design-build pursuits.
- Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing development.
- Prepare estimate summaries and estimate files.
- Draft pricing for self-perform work.
- Attend site visits and pre-proposal meetings.
- Lead and coordinate bid-day proposal submissions.
- Prepare leveling sheets and review subcontractor proposals.
- Develop RFIs and identify scope gaps or design omissions.
Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination
- Coordinate with subcontractors to:
- Review project scope
- Answer questions
- Negotiate pricing
- Ensure proper coverage
- Attend networking and industry events to maintain subcontractor relationships.
- Coordinate estimating efforts across all trades.
Contract & Project Support
- Assist with:
- Bidding
- Award processes
- Planning
- Execution
- Contract closeout
- Prepare preconstruction submittals including:
- Submittal registers
- Transmittals
- Product data
- Catalog cuts
- Material samples
- Support Project Managers with:
- Pricing
- Rentals
- Purchase orders
- Administrative coordination
- Maintain organized electronic estimating files and historical cost data.
QualificationsEducation
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in:
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Construction Management
- Related field
Experience
- Minimum 7 years of estimating experience with a:
- General contractor
- Subcontractor
- Experience within the Metro Washington DC market preferred.
Technical Knowledge
Strong understanding of:
- Construction drawings
- Technical specifications
- Contract documents
- Construction sequencing
- Constructability analysis
- Estimating and bidding processes
Knowledge of Construction Divisions
- Civil/site construction
- Foundations
- Roofing
- Structural systems
- Miscellaneous metals
- Doors & specialties
- Interior finishes
- Exterior wall systems
- Fire protection systems
- Mechanical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Electrical systems
Software Skills
Proficiency with:
- Procore
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- On-Screen Takeoff
- RS Means
- BlueBeam
- BuildingConnected
- Other construction management software
Core Competencies
- Strong communication skills
- High attention to detail
- Strong math and analytical skills
- Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills
- High sense of urgency and accountability
Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Ability to pass a background investigation
- Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record
Benefits & CompensationTime Off
- 11 paid federal holidays
- 2 weeks vacation/personal leave (accrual-based)
Insurance & Retirement
- Subsidized healthcare insurance
- Company-matched 401(k)
Professional Development
- Paid job-related training
- Safety & Quality Control certifications
- Tuition/course reimbursement for approved career development programs
Career Focus
This role is ideal for a senior-level construction estimator with strong federal construction experience who can:
- Lead estimating operations
- Coordinate across multiple trades
- Mentor junior estimators
- Support design-build pursuits
- Manage complex bid environments in the federal sector
Pay: $160,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Are you a US Citizen?
- Do you have any construction certifications?
- Do you have experience with Procore, Excel, Word, On-Screen Takeoff, RS Means, BlueBeam, Building Connected and other construction software?
Education:
Experience:
- Federal Contracting : 2 years (Required)
- Design Build : 1 year (Preferred)
- Estimating: 6 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Capitol Heights, MD 20743 (Required)
Work Location: In person
