Technical Estimator Signs

Signarama Philadelphia/Cherry Hill, NJ•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

This is a hands-on estimating role in a large-scale sign fabrication environment handling iconic branding projects for major national QSR and restaurant brands including Dunkin', Primo Hoagies, Taco Bell, Burger King, Dave's Hot Chicken, and Papa Johns. The estimator is the bridge between conceptual design and physical landmark—dissecting complex construction plans, determining efficient fabrication methods, and generating precise Bills of Materials (BOM) to ensure projects are profitable, durable, and field-ready.

Requirements

Expert ability to read and interpret construction documents, shop drawings, and engineering specifications
Deep understanding of sign installation processes including UL requirements, masonry, welding, and electrical connections
Strong mathematical proficiency for calculating square footage, material yields, and complex markups
Software proficiency with ERP/Estimating tools (e.g., CoreBridge, SignTracker, Cyrious), Excel, and ideally CAD or Adobe Illustrator
Precision mindset: understanding that a 1/8" error in a material calc can lead to a $10,000 mistake in a large-scale rollout
Foresight: ability to "see" the installation happening from a 2D drawing and account for hidden costs (permits, traffic control, specialized brackets)
Clear communication of technical constraints to non-technical stakeholders
Experience with multi-unit national brand rollouts is highly valued—the ability to estimate at scale across dozens or hundreds of locations while maintaining consistency and accuracy

Responsibilities

Reading and interpreting architectural blueprints, site plans, and structural drawings for large-scale interior and exterior signage packages
Creating comprehensive Bills of Materials (BOM) including substrates (aluminum, acrylic, steel), lighting components (LEDs, power supplies), and hardware
Evaluating site conditions for installation requirements (crane access, footing depths, mounting hardware) to accurately quote labor hours and equipment rentals
Maintaining current knowledge of raw material market fluctuations to reflect current costs and company-mandated markups
Value engineering—identifying cost reductions through alternative materials or fabrication methods without compromising design intent or structural integrity
Cross-departmental collaboration with Production, Engineering, and Sales teams to verify buildability and finalize competitive bids