Estimator 1

Become Part of Our Team

As an industry leader, Balfour Beatty offers employees a comprehensive benefits package with competitive salaries and more, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent & Medical Reimbursement)
• 401(k) with company match
• Vacation, Sick, and Holiday Time
• Paid Personal and Volunteer Days
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Referral Bonus

Summary

Balfour Beatty is seeking an Estimator I to join our Raleigh team within the Carolinas Division. The ideal candidate will be an early-career construction professional with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a desire to grow within the preconstruction and estimating field.

The Estimator I is responsible for performing quantity takeoffs, evaluating subcontractor bids, developing unit pricing, analyzing project documents, and supporting the preparation of complete and accurate estimates across all project stages - from schematic design through construction documents. Working closely with the preconstruction and operations teams, this role plays a key part in developing pricing strategies and ensuring the quality and accuracy of project estimates.

Essential Functions

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  Quantity Takeoffs & Cost Development: Perform accurate and timely quantity surveys; calculate labor, material, and equipment costs for all levels of project documents.

  
  
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  Document Review: Analyze drawings, specifications, and RFP/bid documents; develop clarifications, assumptions, and identify scope gaps with assistance from project leadership.

  
  
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  Subcontractor Engagement: Solicit, collect, and analyze subcontractor and vendor pricing; assist in evaluating scopes of work and developing bid comparisons.

  
  
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  Preconstruction Support: Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, trade preconstruction meetings, and hand-off/start-up meetings.

  
  
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  Unit Pricing & Scoping: Develop unit costs, review subcontractor proposals, and prepare scoping sheets.

  
  
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  Technical Analysis: Perform technical and plan reviews; obtain clarifications from architects and engineers when necessary.

  
  
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  Software & Tools: Become proficient in estimating and preconstruction software including DESTINI, On-Screen Takeoff, Paydirt, iSqFt, Procore, and historical databases (e.g., RSMeans, Dodge).

  
  
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  Collaboration & Communication: Build strong working relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, design teams, and internal project partners.

  
  
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  Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to expand knowledge of construction materials, systems, and estimating best practices.

  
  

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• 1-3 years of commercial construction or preconstruction/estimating experience, or equivalent combination of education and internship/co-op experience.
• Basic knowledge of construction methods, materials, and building systems.
• Ability to perform detailed takeoffs and analyze project documents.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with estimating software (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, DESTINI), online plan rooms (BuildingConnected, SmartBid), and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and analytical problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Requirements

• Familiarity with subcontractor markets and pricing within the Carolinas region.
• Experience with cost databases, benchmarking tools, or data analytics.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to learn new technologies and workflows quickly.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to customer service.

About Us

Balfour Beatty US is an industry-leading provider of general contracting, at-risk construction management, and design-build services for public and private clients nationwide. From heavy civil infrastructure to complex vertical construction, our teams build unique, modern structures and spaces that define how people live, work, and connect in our communities. Our teammates have an instinctive passion for innovating that is fueled by a relentless curiosity, a drive to employ lean practices and processes, and the determination to find a better way.

Through our Zero Harm initiative, we are redefining safety in the construction industry. We believe that no level of harm should come to anyone as a result of our work.

Consistently ranked among the nation's largest building contractors by Engineering News-Record, Balfour Beatty US is a subsidiary of London-based Balfour Beatty plc (LSE: BBY).

Balfour Beatty is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state or local law.