Senior Lead estimator – Structural Steel / Industrial

Loenbro•Gilbert, AZ

About The Position

Loenbro is seeking a Senior Steel Estimator to lead estimating for complex, high-risk, or specialized industrial steel construction projects. The role oversees the full estimating process, including quantity takeoffs, labor and equipment analysis, material pricing, subcontractor evaluations, and risk assessment. It interprets structural and other-trade drawings, specifications, and contract documents to develop work breakdown structures and cost models. The posting describes work on projects up to $25 million or higher depending on scope and self-performance, and references estimating for heavy infrastructure such as water and wastewater treatment plants, data centers, mining, and industrial facilities. The Senior Estimator serves as a technical authority for scope, productivity, pricing, constructability, and execution assumptions. The position leads or provides quality control for significant pursuits, advises Operations and leadership on risk and commercial strategy, and mentors estimators. It also supports estimating procedures, cost-data development, business development, and coordination among operations, procurement, project management, vendors, subcontractors, and clients. The role reports to the Chief Estimator and is based in Gilbert, Arizona, with hybrid or onsite work and 10–15% travel expected.

Requirements

Minimum 8–12+ years of relevant industrial construction steel estimating or equivalent directly applicable construction experience.
Tekla Structures or PowerFAB experience, stated as 5+ years and/or modeling software.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Extensive estimating experience and recognized technical authority in at least one construction discipline.
Demonstrated success leading complex or high-risk pursuits with minimal oversight.
Advanced capability in estimate strategy, cost development, risk, QA/QC, and cross-functional coordination.
Advanced proficiency with applicable estimating, takeoff, reporting, and document-management systems.
Ability to maintain accuracy and composure under pressure, unpredictable repricing schedules, and tight or fluctuating bid deadlines.
Ability to mentor others and influence consistent estimating practices.
Ability to travel periodically to offices, client locations, and project sites; 10–15% travel is expected, primarily for client meetings and site walks.
Ability to climb stairs and ladders, including access to trenches and elevated platforms or scaffolding; lift 1–50 pounds; and walk on uneven terrain, with an average of two miles per day. Work may also involve standing, sitting, stooping, crawling, and kneeling.
Use a respirator if the position requires it.
If driving is required, a valid driver’s license and proof of insurability are required; drivers are subject to a DMV background records search.

Nice To Haves

Relevant degree, technical training, field experience, or professional certification.
Direct involvement in civil, concrete, process piping, and equipment setting.
At least two years in a leadership role.
Conceptual, alternative-delivery, multi-discipline, or major-project experience.
HCSS HeavyBid software proficiency.
Experience with federal and public works projects and their procurement requirements and standards.
Experience with California and Los Angeles County requirements, including Northern and Southern California seismic design impacts on steel fabrication and erection.
Comprehensive understanding of shop fabrication and field erection methodologies, including labor logistics, crane constraints, equipment and site access limitations, and multi-phase scheduling.

Responsibilities

Develop estimates for structural steel, miscellaneous metals, and specialized non-ferrous metals, including aluminum and stainless steel.
Validate quantity takeoffs and ensure accurate entry into estimating software.
Analyze costs and plan contingencies to mitigate risk.
Serve as a technical authority for scope, productivity, pricing, constructability, and execution assumptions.
Provide independent QA/QC for significant pursuits.
Develop conceptual, design-assist, design-build, and alternative-delivery estimates using historical and market data.
Advise Operations and leadership on risk, contingency, value engineering, procurement strategy, and commercial position.
Lead team or group estimates, estimate turnovers, and lessons-learned activities for assigned pursuits.
Communicate and coordinate with operations, procurement, project management, vendors, subcontractors, and clients during preconstruction.
Manage multiple complex bids and maintain cost data, benchmarks, tools, templates, and technical estimating methods.
Develop and enforce estimating procedures, including pre-estimate checklists and opportunity matrices.
Support the Chief Estimator on regional priorities, workload, reviews, and development activities as assigned.
Ensure compliance with contractual requirements and company standards.
Analyze project execution to optimize efficiency and profitability.
Support business development and sales with conceptual estimates and ROM pricing.
Articulate scope boundaries and value-engineering options.
Mentor estimators and promote consistent estimating practices.
Perform other duties as needed to support business operations.