Pre-Construction Estimator

JLL•El Segundo, CA

6d•$100,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Pre-construction Estimator for Industrial Manufacturing supports the early planning, budgeting, and analytical phases of large-scale industrial, manufacturing, and process-driven facility projects. The role develops accurate, defensible cost estimates, evaluates technical scopes, collaborates with engineering teams, and aligns budgets with client expectations, operational requirements, and manufacturing timelines. Industrial projects may include 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. The role also ensures consistency, clarity, and quality in preconstruction deliverables and alignment among engineering, operations, project management, and external partners. This is an on-site position in El Segundo, California. 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 estimating experience in construction.
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 develop 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

Estimating experience with industrial, manufacturing, plant expansion, or process-driven projects.
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.
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 against project scope and technical requirements.
Analyze market conditions, fabrication lead times, and labor availability for industrial trades and advanced manufacturing.
Support value engineering workshops by identifying cost-saving alternatives related to building systems, process utilities, materials, and construction sequencing.
Participate in constructability reviews, considering installation challenges, equipment access, shutdown impacts, and safety.
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 retrofits.
Partner with Project Managers on client presentations, budget narratives, procurement strategies, and decision-support documentation.
Prepare 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 the industrial estimating process.