Estimator / Senior Estimator – K-12 Public Education & Hard Bid

Core Builders • San Jose, CA

11d • $115,000 - $200,000 • Onsite

About The Position

CORE Builders is seeking an Estimator or Senior Estimator to join their Preconstruction team. The primary focus of this role is competitive hard-bid pursuits within the K-12 public education market. The position is responsible for developing complete, accurate, and competitive estimates from plans and specifications through final bid submission. The successful candidate will play an important role in helping CORE Builders establish and expand its presence in the public education market. This role requires strong knowledge of competitive bidding, subcontractor outreach, scope analysis, quantity takeoffs, bid leveling, public procurement requirements, and final bid preparation. Following award, the Estimator/Senior Estimator will support subcontractor buyout, scope clarification, estimate-to-buyout reconciliation, and project handoff as needed.

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.
• Strong experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, cost estimating, and competitive hard-bid preparation.
• Experience with K-12/public education construction and/or public works is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of public bidding, bid documents, addenda, procurement requirements, and competitive bid processes.
• Working knowledge of construction means, methods, materials, and sequencing.
• 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 bids and strict bid deadlines.
• Experience with commercial, multifamily, education, or other public works projects is a plus.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa currently.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with other construction management and prequalification platforms is a plus.
• Experience with commercial, multifamily, education, or other public works projects is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support competitive hard-bid proposals for K-12 public education projects.
• Attend pre-bid conferences/job walks for upcoming pursuits.
• Review plans, specifications, addenda, bid forms, front-end documents, and other public procurement requirements.
• Develop detailed quantity takeoffs and complete estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor work, general conditions, general requirements, and other project costs.
• Prepare and issue bid packages and solicit competitive pricing from qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
• Develop subcontractor coverage strategies and proactively pursue pricing to ensure complete coverage across all scopes.
• Analyze, level, and reconcile subcontractor and supplier proposals for scope, exclusions, qualifications, and pricing.
• Identify scope gaps, design conflicts, risk items, and opportunities for value engineering.
• Prepare final bid estimates, bid forms, alternates, allowances, and other required bid documentation.
• Coordinate final bid compilation and submission in accordance with owner requirements and bid deadlines.
• Review bid results and maintain competitive market intelligence for future pursuits.
• Help establish and expand CORE Builders’ presence in the K-12 public education market.
• Develop and maintain relationships with qualified subcontractors and suppliers serving school districts and public works projects.
• Expand CORE Builders’ subcontractor database and market coverage within the education sector.
• Track public education bid opportunities and support pursuit decisions by evaluating scope, schedule, competition, and estimating requirements.
• Build cost history and benchmarking information specific to K-12 construction to improve future bids.
• Use ProEst, Bluebeam, Excel, and other estimating tools to prepare and maintain detailed estimates.
• Communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, clarifications, risks, and scope gaps clearly.
• Collaborate with Operations and Preconstruction teams on constructability, schedule, logistics, and cost considerations.
• Participate in value engineering and identify cost-effective alternatives while maintaining project requirements.
• Maintain organized estimate files and support consistent estimating procedures and standards.
• Support the Operations team with subcontractor and vendor buyout following project award.
• Reconcile the final estimate against subcontractor commitments and identify variances.
• Assist with scope clarification and contract negotiations.
• Participate in project turnover and handoff meetings and communicate estimate assumptions and risks.
• 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