Lead Estimator Jobs
Lead Estimator jobs are open across construction, engineering, manufacturing, and specialty contracting, with specializations in civil, mechanical, and electrical estimation, at every level from project estimator to senior lead and chief estimator. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 103+ Lead Estimator jobs
Apply ONLY if you have extensive experience as a Lead Construction Estimator. Please, no executive search consultants or recruiters.
Description:
MMC is currently seeking an integral addition to our preconstruction team in the form of a Lead Construction Estimator. In this position, you will be tasked with the development of comprehensive cost estimates for commercial, multi-family, and hospitality projects during all phases of preconstruction.
Duties Include:
- Review and have thorough understanding of project drawings and specifications to determine scope of work for all trades/disciplines.
- Complete quantity takeoffs for use in pricing, scope review, and estimate.
- Establish subcontractor bid list.
- Solicit and receive budget and/or bid proposals from subcontractors.
- Preparation of pre-bid meetings for bidders as necessary.
- Initiate and maintain contact with bidders to assure maximum bidder participation.
- Compile scope review sheets for all trades. To include pertinent information from drawings/specs to confirm scope with all subs/suppliers.
- Thoroughly evaluate and compare sub/supplier proposals for costs and scope of work. Make adjustments as needed for exclusions and qualifications of each proposal enabling an accurate comparison.
- Prepare estimates using a combination of unit pricing and sub/supplier quotes to arrive at the estimated cost of work.
- Preparation of final project proposals/bids and presentation to clients.
- Coordinate and collaborate with architects and engineers throughout the design process. Submit RFI’s as needed.
- Review design and recommend alternates for consideration based upon cost, engineering quality, or availability of materials.
- Train and mentor assistant/junior estimators.
Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications, & Experience:
- Educational and experience requirements include: 4-year construction management, building science or engineering degree or equivalent.
- 5+ years’ experience estimating commercial construction projects.
- Ability to compile complete/detailed estimates and prepare proposal documents/bid forms for clients
- Good communication and interpersonal skills (tact, diplomacy, influence, etc.) are required.
- Must be capable of mastering MMC estimating software.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,093.78 - $118,554.81 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Apply ONLY if you have extensive experience as a Lead Construction Estimator. Please, no executive search consultants or recruiters.
Description:
MMC is currently seeking an integral addition to our preconstruction team in the form of a Lead Construction Estimator. In this position, you will be tasked with the development of comprehensive cost estimates for commercial, multi-family, and hospitality projects during all phases of preconstruction.
Duties Include:
- Review and have thorough understanding of project drawings and specifications to determine scope of work for all trades/disciplines.
- Complete quantity takeoffs for use in pricing, scope review, and estimate.
- Establish subcontractor bid list.
- Solicit and receive budget and/or bid proposals from subcontractors.
- Preparation of pre-bid meetings for bidders as necessary.
- Initiate and maintain contact with bidders to assure maximum bidder participation.
- Compile scope review sheets for all trades. To include pertinent information from drawings/specs to confirm scope with all subs/suppliers.
- Thoroughly evaluate and compare sub/supplier proposals for costs and scope of work. Make adjustments as needed for exclusions and qualifications of each proposal enabling an accurate comparison.
- Prepare estimates using a combination of unit pricing and sub/supplier quotes to arrive at the estimated cost of work.
- Preparation of final project proposals/bids and presentation to clients.
- Coordinate and collaborate with architects and engineers throughout the design process. Submit RFI’s as needed.
- Review design and recommend alternates for consideration based upon cost, engineering quality, or availability of materials.
- Train and mentor assistant/junior estimators.
Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications, & Experience:
- Educational and experience requirements include: 4-year construction management, building science or engineering degree or equivalent.
- 5+ years’ experience estimating commercial construction projects.
- Ability to compile complete/detailed estimates and prepare proposal documents/bid forms for clients
- Good communication and interpersonal skills (tact, diplomacy, influence, etc.) are required.
- Must be capable of mastering MMC estimating software.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,093.78 - $118,554.81 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 103+ Lead Estimator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Lead Estimator JobsLead Estimator Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Telecommunications
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lead estimator jobs.
- Five or more years of estimating experience in a relevant trade or construction sector
- Proficiency with industry estimating software such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or Sage Estimating
- Demonstrated ability to manage full bid packages from takeoff through submission
- Strong knowledge of construction documents, specifications, and subcontractor scopes
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field preferred
- Professional certification such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) a plus
Tips for Your Lead Estimator Job Search
Quantify bid volume on your resume
Hiring managers want to see the scale of work you've estimated. List the total annual bid volume you managed, the average project size, and your win rate where you can verify it. Vague phrases like 'managed multiple bids' won't set you apart from other candidates.
Highlight your estimating software proficiency
Lead estimator postings almost always list specific software. Call out your experience with takeoff and estimating platforms by name in a dedicated skills section so your resume clears automated screening before a hiring manager ever reads it.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists lead estimator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by project delivery method
Firms using design-build, GMP, or hard-bid contracts need estimators with different skill sets. Filter your search by company type and read job descriptions carefully to match your background to the delivery method the employer actually uses.
Prepare a sample estimate for the interview
Many lead estimator interviews include a take-home or live estimating exercise. Review a recent project where your estimate was close to final cost and be ready to walk through your methodology, assumptions, and how you handled scope gaps.
Negotiate total compensation, not just base pay
Lead estimator offers often include profit-sharing, project bonuses, or vehicle allowances tied to bid performance. Ask the hiring manager how bonus eligibility works and what the typical payout looks like for someone in the role before you accept.
Lead Estimator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most lead estimators?
The most active employers for lead estimators right now are Kiewit Corporation, CRB, and Skanska, and the most openings are in Texas, California, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Activity shifts with regional construction cycles, so checking current listings regularly gives you the most accurate picture.
How many lead estimator jobs are remote?
About 49% of lead estimator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is lower than many other professional roles. Pre-construction and conceptual estimating tend to offer the most location flexibility, while site-specific or bid-heavy roles in general contracting typically require on-site or office presence for subcontractor coordination.
How do you become a lead estimator?
Start by building hands-on estimating experience as a junior or project estimator, ideally across multiple project types within your trade. Develop fluency with industry takeoff and estimating software, then pursue a certification like the Certified Professional Estimator credential to validate your expertise. Consistently hitting or beating budget on bids is what actually earns promotion to a lead role.
Can you get hired as a lead estimator with little experience?
Moving directly into a lead estimator title with no experience is unlikely, but candidates who have strong field or project management backgrounds can transition faster than those coming from unrelated roles. Firms that are growing quickly sometimes promote from within after two to three years, especially if you take ownership of a full bid cycle and can demonstrate accurate, independent takeoffs.
What does the lead estimator interview process look like?
Most lead estimator interviews run two to three rounds. The first is typically a screening call with HR or a hiring manager covering your background and software experience. A technical round follows, often including a sample takeoff, a discussion of a past bid you led, or a scenario-based question about how you'd handle incomplete drawings or a last-minute scope change. Final rounds usually involve senior leadership or department heads.
Where can I find and apply to lead estimator jobs?
You can find and apply to lead estimator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your experience and trade specialization, and apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 103+ Lead Estimator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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