Pre-Construction Estimator

JLL • El Segundo, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Pre-Construction Estimator for Industrial Manufacturing supports early planning, budgeting, and analysis for large-scale industrial, manufacturing, and process-driven facility projects. The role develops accurate, defensible cost estimates; evaluates complex technical scopes; collaborates with engineering teams; and aligns budgets with client expectations, operational requirements, and manufacturing timelines. Projects may involve specialized equipment, process utilities, structural modifications, automation systems, and high-tolerance construction. The Estimator identifies cost drivers, assesses constructability, and supports strategic decision-making before construction begins, while promoting consistency, clarity, and quality across preconstruction deliverables and aligning engineering, operations, project management, and external partners.

The position is on-site in El Segundo, California. The expected compensation is $100,000–$125,000 per year. Visa sponsorship is not provided; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Requirements

• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
• 3–7 years of construction estimating experience; industrial, manufacturing, plant expansion, or process-driven project experience is preferred.
• Experience with complex scopes such as process piping, mechanical and electrical distribution, industrial utilities, automation systems, equipment installation, and heavy-industrial structural work.
• Proficiency with estimating software and tools such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Sage, Trimble, RSMeans, or similar.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, P&IDs, equipment layouts, and process-flow documents.
• Understanding of industrial construction methods, sequencing, cost drivers, labor productivity, and means and methods.
• Ability to evaluate subcontractor proposals, identify gaps, normalize bids, and prepare accurate comparison analyses.
• Familiarity with industrial safety requirements, building codes, and regulatory constraints related to plant environments.
• Strong Excel skills for cost modeling, benchmarking, and detailed estimate breakdowns.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Background in preconstruction, cost planning, or project engineering.
• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE).
• Associate Constructor (AC) or Certified Professional Constructor (CPC).
• OSHA 30-hour certification.
• Lean or Six Sigma training related to industrial process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates for industrial manufacturing projects, including building systems, structural work, process piping, electrical distribution, specialty utilities, equipment installation, and facility infrastructure.
• Perform material and quantity takeoffs using estimating tools and validated cost databases suited to industrial environments.
• Review engineering drawings, P&IDs, equipment layouts, specifications, and design narratives to understand manufacturing and process requirements.
• Coordinate with internal and external engineering teams to clarify technical details, process-flow impacts, and scope alignment.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals for alignment with manufacturing-specific scope and technical requirements.
• Analyze market conditions, fabrication lead times, and labor availability for industrial trades and advanced manufacturing.
• Support value engineering workshops and identify cost-saving alternatives involving building systems, process utilities, material selections, and construction sequencing.
• Participate in constructability reviews and advise on installation challenges, equipment access, shutdown impacts, and safety considerations.
• Maintain estimate documentation, including cost assumptions, equipment allowances, clarifications, and exclusions.
• Update budgets as designs evolve and assess cost impacts of scope changes or operational constraints.
• Support scheduling teams with cost-loaded schedules and phasing strategies, including plant shutdowns, tie-ins, and commissioning windows.
• Provide benchmarking and cost modeling for production lines, capacity expansions, and facility retrofit projects.
• Partner with Project Managers on client presentations, budget narratives, procurement strategies, and decision-support documentation.
• Prepare complete preconstruction handoff packages for construction teams, including final estimates, bid comparisons, equipment lists, and design clarifications.
• Identify opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, and standardization in industrial estimating processes.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care.
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay.
• Supportive culture and a comprehensive benefits package prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional health.

What This Job Offers

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