Estimator / Senior Estimator – Multifamily Preconstruction

Core Builders • San Jose, CA

2d • $115,000 - $200,000 • Onsite

About The Position

CORE Builders is seeking an Estimator or Senior Estimator to join our Preconstruction team with a primary focus on estimating multifamily and affordable housing projects. This position will be responsible for developing project budgets and detailed estimates throughout the design process, from conceptual estimating through final subcontractor pricing and project award.
The successful candidate will work closely with owners, architects, design teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and Operations to develop accurate budgets, evaluate design development, identify value engineering opportunities, and manage the estimating process across multiple concurrent projects.
Following award, the Estimator/Senior Estimator will support subcontractor buyout, scope clarification, estimate-to-buyout reconciliation, and project handoff, creating continuity between the preconstruction estimate and project execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• One (1) to four (4) years of estimating experience for an Estimator role; five (5)+ years of estimating experience for a Senior Estimator role.
• Experience estimating multifamily construction types, including podium, wrap-style, walk-up, garden-style, wood-frame, townhome, volumetric modular, and mixed-use/multifamily developments
• Strong experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, cost estimating, budgeting, and value engineering.
• Working knowledge of construction means, methods, materials, sequencing, and building systems.
• Proficiency in Bluebeam, MS Excel, OnScreen/takeoff software, Buiding Connected, and other estimating software; experience with other construction management and prequalification platforms is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent estimates and deadlines.
• Understand local building codes and permitting processes.
• Comfortable utilizing construction management software such as MS Project and Procore.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, civil documents, and other project information to develop a comprehensive understanding of project scope.
• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed estimates as project documents progress.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and prepare estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor work, general conditions, general requirements, and other project costs.
• Develop and maintain project budgets and cost models using ProEst, Excel, and other estimating tools.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing throughout the preconstruction process.
• Analyze and level proposals for scope, exclusions, assumptions, qualifications, and pricing.
• Identify scope gaps, design conflicts, constructability concerns, cost risks, and opportunities for value engineering.
• Prepare cost studies and provide pricing for design options, alternates, allowances, and owner-requested changes.
• Maintain detailed estimate documentation and clearly communicate assumptions, exclusions, and cost risks.
• Estimate a variety of multifamily construction types, including podium, wrap-style, walk-up, garden-style, wood-frame, townhome, stacked-flat, volumetric modular, and mixed-use/multifamily developments
• Develop and maintain cost benchmarks and historical pricing for multifamily construction.
• Analyze project-specific conditions including site logistics, phasing, building systems, unit mix, common areas, parking, and amenities.
• Collaborate with project teams to evaluate construction means, methods, sequencing, and schedule impacts on cost.
• Support market outreach and develop strong relationships with multifamily subcontractors and suppliers.
• Participate in owner, architect, and design-team meetings to communicate cost impacts and estimating assumptions.
• Participate in project interviews for project pursuits.
• Prepare estimates and cost reports for internal leadership and project stakeholders.
• Support value engineering and cost-reduction exercises while maintaining project scope and quality requirements.
• Assist with establishing project budgets, schedules, contingencies, and other preconstruction cost parameters.
• Track design development and identify cost impacts resulting from scope changes.
• Support multiple concurrent projects and maintain estimating schedules and deadlines.
• Support the Operations team with subcontractor and vendor buyout following project award, if required.
• Reconcile the final estimate against subcontractor commitments and identify variances.
• Participate in project turnover/handoff meetings.
• Track awarded projects against original estimates and incorporate lessons learned into future estimating.
• Maintain and update pricing databases and cost history records through ProEst, and other estimating tools.
• Create and champion estimating standard operating procedures.
• Drive process improvements in estimating methods, technology, cost tracking, and preconstruction workflows.
• Support ongoing development of CORE Builders’ estimating database and multifamily cost benchmarks.
• Contribute to positive workplace embodying CORE Builders Vision of Success.
• Build and maintain strong relationships both internally and externally.
• In a senior role, provide mentorship and professional development to junior estimators.
• Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes, and apply this knowledge to enhance company operations.
• Actively participate in Professional Organizations and/or industry events and conferences related to role.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision (100% paid for employee coverage, 50% paid for dependents)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Plan (discretionary employer match)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level