Entry Level Construction Cost Estimator Jobs
New grad construction cost estimator jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong portfolio or internship work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Construction & Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Consulting & Professional Services, with employers like Schell Brothers, Parametrix, and Trinity Industries hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Entry Level Construction Cost Estimator jobs
INTRODUCTION
TrinityRail is searching for a Cost Estimator in Shell Rock, IA!
In this role, the Cost Estimator is responsible for conducting in-coming, in-process and outbound inspections of railcars. This individual determines materials required for repairs and estimates repair costs based on AAR regulations and customer specifications. Acts as a liaison between customers and maintenance/repair facility. Prepares documentation necessary to support AAR regulations and customer invoicing.
Join our Team today and be a part of Delivering Goods for the Good of All!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Exhibit Trinity Core Values and TrinityRail Maintenance Services 3 Ts (take care of our people, trust, and transparency)
- Conducts incoming and in process inspections of railcars to determine and monitor repairs
- Participates in assessing the condition of railcars and determining their ability to meet compliance standards
- Works with customer representatives and railroad personnel as required
- Prepares estimates of repair costs, including parts, materials, and labor for submittal to customers. Consults with customers regarding repairs and reviews final billings
- Requisitions repair parts and materials
- Prepares and maintains records and documentation pertaining to repairs to include invoices, AAR billing repair cards, and testing documentation
- Knowledge of Association of American Railroads (AAR) and TrinityRail codes, standards and regulations applicable to the fabrication, repair and operation of railcars
- Ability to use tools, gauges, measuring devices and test equipment necessary for the inspection process
- Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
- Ability to interface effectively with shop personnel and customers
- Additional duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school education (or equivalent) required
- Ability to interface/communicate with all levels of the organization
- Some mechanical aptitude required
- Experience using Microsoft 365 and other systems required
- Flexibility working overtime hours as needed
- Team player required
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Rail experience preferred but not required
LOCATION
Shell Rock, IA
INTRODUCTION
TrinityRail is searching for a Cost Estimator in Shell Rock, IA!
In this role, the Cost Estimator is responsible for conducting in-coming, in-process and outbound inspections of railcars. This individual determines materials required for repairs and estimates repair costs based on AAR regulations and customer specifications. Acts as a liaison between customers and maintenance/repair facility. Prepares documentation necessary to support AAR regulations and customer invoicing.
Join our Team today and be a part of Delivering Goods for the Good of All!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Exhibit Trinity Core Values and TrinityRail Maintenance Services 3 Ts (take care of our people, trust, and transparency)
- Conducts incoming and in process inspections of railcars to determine and monitor repairs
- Participates in assessing the condition of railcars and determining their ability to meet compliance standards
- Works with customer representatives and railroad personnel as required
- Prepares estimates of repair costs, including parts, materials, and labor for submittal to customers. Consults with customers regarding repairs and reviews final billings
- Requisitions repair parts and materials
- Prepares and maintains records and documentation pertaining to repairs to include invoices, AAR billing repair cards, and testing documentation
- Knowledge of Association of American Railroads (AAR) and TrinityRail codes, standards and regulations applicable to the fabrication, repair and operation of railcars
- Ability to use tools, gauges, measuring devices and test equipment necessary for the inspection process
- Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
- Ability to interface effectively with shop personnel and customers
- Additional duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school education (or equivalent) required
- Ability to interface/communicate with all levels of the organization
- Some mechanical aptitude required
- Experience using Microsoft 365 and other systems required
- Flexibility working overtime hours as needed
- Team player required
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Rail experience preferred but not required
LOCATION
Shell Rock, IA
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Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
Entry Level Construction Cost Estimator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level construction cost estimator job?
Employers at this level prioritize candidates who can demonstrate familiarity with takeoff software, basic quantity surveying, and reading construction drawings. A portfolio of academic projects, internship experience, or even volunteer estimating work gives you a concrete edge. Certifications from the American Society of Professional Estimators or exposure to platforms like Bluebeam or PlanSwift also signal readiness to hiring managers evaluating junior candidates.
Which companies hire entry level construction cost estimators?
Companies hiring entry level construction cost estimators right now include Schell Brothers, Parametrix, and Trinity Industries, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Hiring at this level comes from a mix of general contractors, specialty subcontractors, civil engineering firms, and construction management companies that build junior estimators into their project delivery teams.
Are there remote entry level construction cost estimator jobs?
Yes, though most openings at this level are on-site or hybrid given the hands-on nature of the work. About 25% of entry level construction cost estimator openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, typically with firms handling commercial or infrastructure projects where quantity takeoffs and bid prep can be done off-site.
Are these new grad construction cost estimator jobs?
Yes, these openings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior roles. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internship hours or academic project work as qualifying background, or lists a portfolio in place of a formal work history. Many employers hiring at this level expect to train new grad candidates on their internal processes and software.
Which industries hire the most entry level construction cost estimators?
Entry Level construction cost estimator roles concentrate in Construction & Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Consulting & Professional Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Those sectors drive hiring at this level because active project pipelines in commercial construction, infrastructure, and residential development create steady demand for junior estimators who can support bid teams and build their skills on real projects.