Construction - Sr. Estimator

Location: Carlsbad, CA | Southern California

Salary Range: $110,000–$160,000

Build the Numbers. Shape the Project. Lead the Estimate.

Cannon Building is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Preconstruction team and take the lead on estimating complex commercial construction projects throughout Southern California.

This is a hands‑on opportunity for a construction professional who understands that a great estimate is more than putting numbers to drawings. You’ll analyze plans and specifications, develop detailed quantity takeoffs, engage subcontractors and vendors, level bids, identify scope gaps, evaluate risk, and work closely with our Preconstruction and Operations teams to build accurate, competitive project budgets.

You’ll primarily support negotiated commercial projects across Cannon Building’s core markets, including Life Sciences, Healthcare, Commercial, Institutional, and Industrial construction
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• Lead the development of detailed estimates through multiple phases of design.
• Perform and direct detailed quantity takeoffs from plans and specifications.
• Develop quantity, unit-rate, and cost estimates for complex construction scopes.
• Establish estimate structures, bid packages, and estimating responsibilities.
• Review complete estimate packages for accuracy, scope coverage, and completeness.
• Analyze design documents, drawings, specifications, and bid packages to identify scope and cost risks.
• Lead variance analysis between estimate phases and identify the drivers behind cost changes.
• Develop and execute subcontractor and vendor outreach strategies to ensure strong market coverage.
• Lead subcontractor scope reviews, bid leveling, and budget reconciliation.
• Review inclusions, exclusions, qualifications, and scope gaps before estimates are issued.

• Lead buyout and lump-sum bid pursuits
  .
• Develop bid instructions, scope requirements, and bid package documentation.
• Identify value engineering and value‑management opportunities.
• Develop cost comparisons, A3s, and other analyses to support project value.
• Lead estimate reconciliation with clients, design teams, and third‑party estimators.
• Develop and maintain cost models throughout design development.
• Provide ongoing cost feedback as the design progresses.
• Evaluate design options for cost, constructability, procurement, and overall value
  .
• Work with Operations to incorporate schedule, logistics, phasing, staffing, general conditions, and project‑specific requirements into the estimate.
• Monitor Southern California labor trends, material pricing, escalation, and market conditions.

You won't be estimating in a silo.

You'll work closely with Preconstruction Managers, Project Executives, Project Managers, Superintendents, Design Managers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors to ensure the estimate reflects how the project will actually be built.

You'll help identify constructability concerns, project risks, logistics requirements, and opportunities before they become problems in the field.

• Direct and coordinate Estimators and other team members assigned to projects.
• Lead estimate kickoff meetings, pre‑bid meetings, scope reviews, and estimating discussions.
• Present estimate information and cost analysis during internal and client‑facing reviews.
• Clearly communicate project costs, risks, assumptions, scope gaps, market impacts, and variances.
• Mentor and support the development of Estimators and junior preconstruction staff.
• Contribute to the continued improvement of Cannon Building’s estimating processes and best practices.

We're looking for someone who knows construction—not just estimating software.