Estimator

MRA Recruiting Services•Lebanon, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Estimator is responsible for managing the initial phase of the project lifecycle by providing accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates for structural steel fabrication and erection projects. This role requires the ability to quantify materials (take-offs), calculate labor hours, and solicit pricing from suppliers and subcontractors. The Estimator works closely with the Sales, Project Management, and Production teams to ensure that bids are comprehensive, profitable, and aligned with George Steel’s fabrication capabilities and AISC standards. This role operates in a fast-moving bid environment, regularly managing one to three concurrent bids per week across projects ranging from $1M to $15M in value.

Requirements

Highly analytical and possess a deep understanding of the structural steel industry.
Balances technical accuracy with the communication skills necessary to negotiate with vendors and coordinate with internal teams.
3–5 years of experience in structural steel fabrication, estimating, detailing, or related manufacturing industry.
Familiarity with AISC and AWS standards.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and fabrication-related data reporting.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or related field.
Experience with Tekla PowerFab or similar ERP/Estimating software is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Thoroughly examine architectural and structural drawings, specifications, and addenda to determine the full scope of work.
Perform detailed quantity take-offs of structural steel, plates, and miscellaneous metals using estimating software (e.g., Tekla PowerFab & Bluebeam).
Estimate man-hours required for fabrication (cutting, fitting, welding, painting) and erection based on project complexity and shop capacity.
Solicit competitive quotes from outside suppliers and subcontractors, including erection contractors, joist & deck suppliers, miscellaneous metals fabricators, steel detailers, galvanizers, freight carriers, and specialty coating applicators.
Evaluate and compare vendor quotes for scope completeness, pricing accuracy, and alignment with project specifications before incorporating them into the final bid.
Compile all cost data into a formal proposal, ensuring all "Scope of Work" inclusions and exclusions are clearly defined to protect the company from scope creep.
Identify potential project risks, such as aggressive schedules or complex geometries, and account for them in the pricing strategy.
Upon project award, collaborate with Project Managers to transition the estimate into a working budget, highlighting key assumptions made during the bid phase.
Monitor fluctuations in steel material pricing and availability to ensure bids remain competitive and profitable.
Assist the sales team in reviewing bids with general contractors or owners to explain George Steel’s value proposition and clarify technical details with occasional post-bid review site visits.