Estimator
Nesco Resource
Phoenix, AZ
Overview
The role involves supporting the estimating and bid preparation process for engineering fabrication projects. The primary responsibility is to evaluate drawings, specifications, and other bid documents to prepare accurate cost estimates that support profitable project acquisition. Collaboration with project managers, detailing, purchasing, and production teams is essential to ensure estimates reflect realistic fabrication methods, material costs, labor productivity, and scheduling considerations.
Responsibilities
- Estimating & Bid Preparation
- Review architectural, structural, and fabrication drawings, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for structural steel, platework, piping, miscellaneous metals, and related components.
- Develop accurate cost estimates including material, labor, subcontractors, equipment, freight, and outside services.
- Solicit and evaluate quotes from suppliers and subcontractors.
- Prepare and compile bid packages, proposals, and clarifications.
- Participate in bid reviews with the Senior Manager – Sales prior to submission.
- Cross-Department Coordination
- Work closely with project managers to ensure smooth handoff of awarded projects.
- Provide clarifications and estimate breakdowns during project kickoff.
- Support change order pricing and cost analysis when needed.
- Coordinate with purchasing on major material pricing trends and supplier relationships.
- Process Improvement & Leadership
- Help develop and maintain estimating standards, templates, and historical cost databases.
- Support senior estimators and contribute to shared takeoffs, scope interpretation, and cost analysis as needed.
- Improve estimating accuracy through post-project cost reviews and lessons learned.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the sales and estimating department.
- Performance Expectations
- Produce accurate and competitive estimates aligned with company profitability goals.
- Maintain >35% bid hit rates while protecting margin.
- Ensure thorough scope coverage and minimize post-award surprises.
- Contribute to a collaborative environment between estimating, sales, project management, and production.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Minimum 2–3 years of estimating experience in structural steel fabrication, heavy industrial construction, or related manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs from structural, architectural, and fabrication drawings.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
- Strong working knowledge of material pricing, labor productivity, and fabrication cost drivers.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook) and estimating or takeoff software.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience estimating structural steel, platework, piping, or miscellaneous metals for industrial or commercial projects.
- Familiarity with fabrication processes including CNC cutting, welding, fitting, and surface preparation.
- Experience with ERP or project management systems used in a fabrication environment.
- Interest in growing into a lead estimating role with increased responsibility over time.
- Understanding of freight logistics, subcontractor scope, and outside service pricing.
Nesco Resource offers a comprehensive benefits package for our associates, which includes a MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plan that encompasses Medical, Vision, Dental, 401K, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services.
Nesco Resource provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
About the Company
Nesco Resource
Companies need talent. You want job opportunities.
That’s where we come in. We create meaningful connections between companies and candidates, and we’ve been doing it for over 65 years.
Our national workforce solutions include contract, contract-to-hire, direct placement services, and managed services for a variety of industries.
We employ specialized recruiters focused in Engineering, Information Technology, Accounting & Finance, Administrative & Customer Service, and Manufacturing & Distribution.
When you need to find a job, we're your partner.