Job Title: Construction EstimatorJob Description
The Construction Estimator will prepare accurate and detailed cost estimates for mechanical construction projects, with a strong focus on plumbing, HVAC, piping, and sheet metal systems. This role involves reviewing project documents, developing quantity take-offs, managing bids, and collaborating closely with project managers, engineers, and field teams to ensure alignment on scope, cost, and project goals. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to the growth of a newly established sheet metal division within a close-knit, long-tenured team.
Responsibilities
Contact and follow up with leads and customers to understand project scope, requirements, and expectations.
Review and analyze project documents, including drawings, specifications, P&IDs, and schematics, to determine material and labor needs.
Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for plumbing, HVAC, piping, and sheet metal systems on commercial construction projects.
Develop comprehensive quantity take-offs and material and labor cost breakdowns for all relevant trades.
Prepare and submit Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and complete bid packages within required deadlines.
Identify and solicit pricing from subcontractors and suppliers, and perform comparison analyses to evaluate proposals.
Maintain and regularly update historical cost data and pricing databases to support future estimates and budgeting.
Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client presentations as needed to clarify scope and strengthen proposals.
Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, preconstruction staff, and field personnel to ensure alignment on project scope, constructability, and cost assumptions.
Track and manage the status of bids, follow up on submitted proposals, and assist with project handoff to operations after award.
Support change order estimating by analyzing scope changes and preparing revised cost impacts when required.
Utilize construction estimating and project management software, including Excel, Quotesoft, Sage, and Microsoft Office, to produce and present estimates.
Essential Skills
At least 5 years of mechanical construction experience.
At least 2 years of estimating experience in the construction industry.
Strong experience with sheet metal and/or plumbing on commercial projects, including sectors such as healthcare, K-12, and data centers.
Proficiency in Excel and construction estimating software such as Quotesoft and/or Sage.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, P&IDs, and schematics.
Strong construction estimating skills, including quantity take-offs, cost breakdowns, and change order pricing.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, for estimate preparation and analysis.
Solid understanding of preconstruction and project management principles related to estimating.
Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy in cost calculations.
Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience using dedicated construction estimating software in a mechanical contracting environment.
Background in estimating projects in healthcare, K-12, and data center environments.
Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced setting.
Comfort presenting estimates and scope clarifications in client or internal meetings.
Interest in helping build and grow a sheet metal division from the ground up within a growing company.
Strong organizational skills to maintain historical cost data and pricing databases.
Demonstrated ability to support preconstruction planning and project handoff to operations.
Work Environment
This is an in-office position within a smaller construction company that offers a close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere where team members play a visible and meaningful role in the success of projects. Most of the office team has long tenure, with many having been with the company for 10 years or more, fostering a stable and collaborative environment. The role uses tools such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Quotesoft, Sage, and other construction estimating software on a daily basis. The company provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical coverage (with a high employer contribution for employees and a substantial contribution for family coverage), full dental coverage, eight paid holidays, and one week of paid time off in the first year (with flexibility for the right candidate). After six months, employees become eligible for a 401(k) plan with a 4% match and potential profit sharing based on company performance, as well as access to learning platforms such as Udemy and additional discount and perks programs. The environment supports professional growth, particularly through the opportunity to help build and expand a new sheet metal division from its early stages.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Clackamas, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $43.26 - $62.50/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Clackamas,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 22, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
