ENTRY LEVEL ESTIMATOR
?Job Description
The Estimator I supports the preconstruction and estimating team throughout the bid and budgeting process for commercial construction projects. This role focuses on quantity takeoffs, subcontractor outreach, bid analysis, cost tracking, and proposal development. It is ideal for an early-career professional with a degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or practical construction experience who is motivated to build a long-term career in estimating. The organization places strong emphasis on character, discipline, resourcefulness, and work ethic and provides direct mentorship from experienced estimators, along with exposure to a wide range of commercial construction projects in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Responsibilities
Assist in creating construction budgets based on preliminary and schematic documents.
Support senior estimators and preconstruction managers in working with architects, engineers, and owners to develop plans and specifications that align with proposed budget limitations.
Assist with subcontractor bidding and scoping of projects to help develop accurate construction budgets.
Analyze and document plan overlays to identify changes and revisions to contract documents that may impact project budget or constructability.
Formulate and coordinate project bid campaigns using in-house systems such as BidNet, including selecting appropriate subcontractors across all 16 divisions.
Develop, coordinate, and issue project correspondence to preconstruction managers, senior estimators, architects, and subcontractors.
Collect, analyze, and submit project Requests for Information (RFIs) to architects and distribute responses to subcontractors.
Thoroughly review all project documents to define detailed scopes of work for all trades across all 16 divisions.
Analyze subcontractor proposals across all trades and verify that they meet the defined project scope and all applicable project requirements.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with subcontractors through conceptual budgeting and competitive bid processes.
Develop, record, and recall trend cost information to support accurate budgeting and forecasting.
Maintain current knowledge and application of local and state building codes and public funding source design standards.
Stay informed about trends and developments in the construction industry and integrate this knowledge into estimating practices.
Support the achievement of subcontractor participation goals in alignment with project requirements and company objectives.
Ensure timely completion of assigned estimating and preconstruction tasks and projects.
Attend required corporate meetings, training programs, and internal seminars or webinars to enhance professional skills.
Perform additional estimating and preconstruction duties as assigned.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for estimating, data analysis, and reporting.
Internship experience or hands-on experience in construction trades.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
Demonstrated interest in and exposure to construction estimating.
Foundational knowledge of construction management and commercial construction processes.
Ability to perform quantity takeoffs accurately.
Strong communication skills for coordinating with internal teams, architects, engineers, owners, and subcontractors.
Capability to support preconstruction activities, including budgeting and bid preparation.
Attention to detail and discipline in reviewing plans, specifications, and subcontractor proposals.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering is strongly preferred.
Experience with construction estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar tools.
Familiarity with construction management platforms such as Procore and BuildingConnected.
Experience with project engineering in commercial or multifamily construction environments.
Understanding of commercial construction and multifamily project @types.
Interest in developing into estimating and preconstruction leadership roles.
Motivation to grow within a structured career path that includes performance-based bonuses, profit sharing, and employee ownership opportunities.
Ability to maintain current knowledge of industry trends, building codes, and design standards.
Work Environment
This role is based in an office-centered preconstruction environment with a collaborative estimating team. The position involves extensive computer-based estimating and digital takeoff work using tools such as Excel and specialized estimating software. The Estimator I works closely with subcontractors and internal project teams and participates in frequent communication and coordination activities. Projects are primarily located throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and surrounding Mid-Atlantic markets, providing exposure to large-scale commercial building projects. The organization offers a structured career path, direct mentorship from experienced preconstruction professionals, and a highly competitive long-term compensation model that includes performance bonuses, profit sharing, and an employee stock ownership plan, creating strong long-term earnings potential for high performers.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of King of Prussia, PA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60000.00 - $80000.00/yr.
Harkins offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, short & long-term disability, HSA/FSA, tuition reimbursement, and mileage and expense reimbursement. For this role, the base salary range is $60,000-$70,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. Medical, Dental & Vision Life & Disability HSA/FSA 401k Plan Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Profit Sharing Program Performance Bonus Employee Assistance Program Paid Holidays Paid Vacation & Sick Leave Mileage and Expense Reimbursement Phone Allowance Paid Parental Leave Pet Insurance Jury Duty Pay Bereavement Pay Training Programs & Seminars Wellness Programs Health Fair Workers' Compensation Membership with Associated Builders & Contractors Association and other Professional Organizations Product Discounts with GE and other vendors Employee Award and Recognition Programs Discounts on Financial Planning Tower Federal Credit Union Membership
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in King of Prussia,PA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
