Estimator, Construction, Quantity Surveyor

Construction Estimator

This Estimator role focuses on preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates and bid proposals for commercial construction projects throughout the Chicago market. You will review drawings and specifications, perform quantity takeoffs, and support the full bid process from project review through submission. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with project managers, operations teams, and field personnel while developing a long-term career in estimating and preconstruction within a supportive, family-oriented construction company.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and competitive bid proposals for commercial construction projects across the Chicago market.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents to perform accurate quantity takeoffs.
• Solicit, analyze, and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure comprehensive and competitive bids.
• Support senior estimators throughout the bid process, from initial project review through final bid submission.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client meetings as required to gather project information and clarify scope.
• Track bid schedules, deadlines, and estimating documentation to ensure timely and complete submissions.
• Collaborate with project managers, operations teams, and field personnel to confirm scope alignment and constructability.
• Identify potential scope gaps, cost risks, and value engineering opportunities to improve project competitiveness and profitability.
• Maintain current knowledge of local market pricing, labor rates, and construction trends to ensure accurate estimates.
• Prepare estimates across multiple construction trades and scopes rather than focusing on a single specialty discipline.
• Perform quantity takeoffs, develop budgets, and assemble complete bid packages in accordance with bid requirements.
• Evaluate subcontractor scopes and ensure coverage of all required work, including coordination between trades.
• Contribute to change order pricing and construction scheduling support as needed.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of experience in estimating, project engineering, project coordination, or commercial construction.
• Experience estimating public sector construction projects, including work with agencies such as the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Capital Development Board (CDB), and Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), preferred.
• Federal project estimating experience is a plus.
• Experience preparing estimates across multiple construction trades and scopes.
• Ability to review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs, developing budgets, and preparing competitive bid proposals.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, project sequencing, and subcontractor scope evaluation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency with estimating software platforms such as Procore, Timberline, and Viewpoint.
• Experience with construction scheduling and change order processes.
• Background in general contracting, construction management, and project management.
• Experience with federal construction, residential construction, glazing, subcontractor management, and carpentry is beneficial.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Desire to grow within a long-term estimating and preconstruction career path.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with general contractors and on a variety of project types, including hospitality, education, transportation, government, healthcare, and institutional sectors.
• Comfort working with both public sector and federal project requirements.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project managers, operations teams, field personnel, and subcontractors.
• Interest in building a long-term career with a small, family-oriented construction organization.

Work Environment

The Estimator will primarily report to a field office near O'Hare, with flexibility to work from the main office  role involves regular travel within the city for pre-bid meetings and site walks, with mileage reimbursement provided for specific job site visits. You will work closely with a small, second-generation family construction business that emphasizes a non-corporate, collaborative environment and supports projects across sectors such as hospitality, education, transportation, government, healthcare, and institutional work.

The company promotes a long-term career path in estimating and preconstruction, offering the opportunity to partner closely with leadership and operations teams while using modern construction and estimating tools, including Microsoft Excel and leading estimating software platforms.

Job Type & Location

This is a…