Construction Estimator

Company Overview

RBA Builders is a full-service General Contractor with a self-performing tenant improvement division, serving the commercial, industrial, entertainment, educational, aerospace, and medical sectors throughout Southern California.

Our loyal, dedicated team is the foundation of our success. We pride ourselves on delivering innovative, practical solutions that exceed client expectations while using the latest technologies and industry best practices.

At RBA, our culture drives everything we do. We remain true to our founding values of safety, quality, honesty, and hard work, and we prioritize building long-term, trusted relationships. These principles guide our four Core Values:

These values shape how we treat our team members, support our clients, and influence positive change throughout the construction industry.

We are RBA Builders LLC, and we are committed to being the Contractor of Choice—for our clients and for our employees. Our headquarters is proudly located in Fountain Valley, California.

The Construction Estimator plays a key role in our preconstruction team, supporting the development of accurate, competitive, and well-supported cost estimates for commercial construction projects. This position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to grow in a company where safety, integrity, and career development are top priorities.

Working under the guidance of senior team members, the Estimator will take ownership of specific scopes, perform quantity takeoffs, analyze drawings and specifications, and support bid strategy while contributing meaningful insight to the estimating process.

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop scope sheets
• Review drawings, specifications, and addenda for estimating accuracy
• Evaluate and compare subcontractor bids for completeness and consistency
• Prepare written scope clarifications and bid-leveling documents
• Track RFI responses, addenda updates, and project changes
• Assist with internal estimate breakdowns, cost assumptions, and value engineering discussions
• Collaborate with the preconstruction and project management teams to address constructability and scheduling considerations
• Support continuous improvement of estimating processes and templates

• Prior experience estimating commercial construction projects
• Familiarity with CSI divisions, drawing/specification review, and trade-specific scopes
• Understanding of constructability principles and schedule impacts
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple active bids

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred

• 2–5 years of estimating experience in commercial construction
• Experience with general contracting or construction management firms strongly preferred

• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and project documents
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, and digital takeoff tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with subcontractors and internal teams
• Attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities

• Work independently while also collaborating closely with senior estimators and project teams
• Identify scope gaps, inconsistencies, and value-engineering opportunities
• Understand schedule impacts related to sequencing and scope decisions
• Take initiative and maintain accountability for assigned scopes and tasks

• None required
• OSHA 10, LEED familiarity, or DBIA principles are beneficial

• Experience in healthcare, higher education, or entertainment projects
• Familiarity with Procore, Building Connected, or similar estimating/project management platforms

• Primarily an office-based position with occasional jobsite visits and pre-bid meetings
• Standard business hours with some overtime required during key bid phases

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities within a growing organization
• A supportive, team-centered culture built on safety, integrity, and long-term success