Construction Estimator Complex Commercial Projects

Location: Carlsbad, CA | Southern California

Estimator

Location: Carlsbad, CA | Southern California

Employment Type: Full-Time | Salaried Exempt

Salary: $95,000–$120,000

Cannon Building is growing, and we’re looking for an Estimator to join our Preconstruction team in Carlsbad, CA.

As an Estimator, you’ll play an important role in developing budgets and estimates for complex commercial construction projects throughout Southern California. You’ll work closely with our Preconstruction and Operations teams, subcontractors, vendors, architects, engineers, and clients to help turn project concepts into accurate, competitive, and buildable budgets.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator looking to grow their career within a respected General Contractor and gain hands-on experience across some of the most demanding construction environments in Southern California.

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from construction plans and specifications.
• Develop quantity, unit-rate, and cost estimates for assigned scopes and bid packages.
• Support estimates throughout various phases of design, from preliminary budgets through final pricing.
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to understand project scope and identify potential gaps.
• Assist with estimate comparisons and variance analysis between design phases.
• Research material pricing, labor trends, and current Southern California market conditions.
• Maintain and contribute to historical cost data and preconstruction databases.

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

• Solicit pricing and budgeting information from subcontractors and vendors.
• Coordinate subcontractor and vendor proposals for assigned scopes.
• Review and level bids, identifying inclusions, exclusions, qualifications, and scope gaps.
• Develop bid instructions and scope information for assigned bid packages.
• Participate in job walks and pre-bid meetings to understand existing conditions, project requirements, and client needs.

Value Engineering & Cost Analysis

• Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost savings.
• Assist with cost comparisons and value engineering analysis.
• Support buyout and lump-sum bid pursuits.
• Communicate cost impacts, risks, scope changes, and market conditions to the project team.

Project & Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Preconstruction, Project Management, and Operations teams to incorporate construction means, methods, logistics, and project-specific conditions into estimates.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, ownership teams, and other project stakeholders.
• Participate in estimate reviews, scope meetings, pre-bid meetings, and internal estimating discussions.
• Maintain organized estimating documentation and records.
• Support a collaborative, team-oriented environment focused on quality and accuracy.

• 1–3+ years of estimating or related commercial construction experience, preferably within a General Contractor environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs and developing detailed construction cost estimates.
• Working knowledge of construction means and methods, building systems, and trade scopes.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
• Understanding of subcontractor scopes, inclusions, exclusions, and qualifications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with subcontractors, vendors, clients, design professionals, and…