OPT Construction Estimator Jobs
Construction Estimator roles qualify for OPT because they require a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field. Most positions involve analyzing project costs, reading technical drawings, and coordinating with contractors, work that directly applies your degree. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your specific program classification.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Dynamic Sr. Estimator opportunity with clear growth path to Director of Preconstruction.
This Jobot Job is hosted by: Don Seawall. Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Easy Apply" button and sending us your resume.
Salary: $130,000 - $150,000 per year
A bit about us:
Our client is one of the premier design-build general contracting firms in Chicagoland. They are known for their strong backlog of work due to high volume of repeat business, promoting from within whenever possible, and offering their employees the most cutting edge technology available. Apply today for immediate consideration!
Why join us?
Our client is at the forefront of the construction industry as a full-service design-build general contractor and construction management firm, boasting over a century of invaluable experience. Project types include commercial, multifamily, healthcare, industrial, among others. Renowned as one of Chicagoland's premier builders, they take pride in our ability to self-perform a spectrum of trades, including concrete, steel, and carpentry, ensuring unparalleled quality and precision in every project. As a member of our dynamic team, you'll not only contribute to our rich legacy but also embark on a personalized career progression journey, supported by industry-leading compensation plans that reflect our commitment to recognizing and rewarding your exceptional skills and dedication.
JOB DETAILS
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Permanent Construction Senior Estimator to join our dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced, innovative construction company, where you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our organization. You will be responsible for preparing detailed cost estimates for our construction projects, including labor, materials, and time requirements. This is a high-impact role that requires a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of construction processes and principles.
Responsibilities:
1. Prepare detailed, accurate, and comprehensive cost estimates for construction projects, including labor, materials, equipment, and time requirements.
2. Review and analyze blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates.
3. Participate in the preconstruction process, including attending meetings with clients, architects, and engineers to discuss project specifications and requirements.
4. Conduct site visits and gather all necessary data to aid in estimation process.
5. Prepare and submit bidding proposals to clients, ensuring all estimates are timely, accurate, and competitive.
6. Conduct takeoffs for construction projects, including calculating the quantity of materials needed and the total cost of materials.
7. Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other construction professionals to develop a comprehensive understanding of project requirements.
8. Track and analyze key data to monitor and improve estimation accuracy.
9. Stay updated on industry trends and advancements, incorporating this knowledge into your estimation processes.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. A minimum of 3 years of experience in construction estimating or a related role.
2. Proven experience in estimating, preconstruction, bidding, takeoffs, and construction.
3. Strong knowledge of construction processes, materials, and labor requirements.
4. Proficiency in using industry-specific software for estimation and takeoffs.
5. Exceptional analytical and mathematical skills, with a keen eye for detail.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of professionals.
7. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and other construction documents.
8. Strong problem-solving skills, with a creative approach to overcoming challenges.
9. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and importance.
10. Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Easy Apply" button.
Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Information collected and processed as part of your Jobot candidate profile, and any job applications, resumes, or other information you choose to submit is subject to Jobot's Privacy Policy, as well as the Jobot California Worker Privacy Notice and Jobot Notice Regarding Automated Employment Decision Tools which are available at jobot.com/legal. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Jobot, and/or its agents and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy here: jobot.com/privacy-policy.
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INTRODUCTION
Dynamic Sr. Estimator opportunity with clear growth path to Director of Preconstruction.
This Jobot Job is hosted by: Don Seawall. Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Easy Apply" button and sending us your resume.
Salary: $130,000 - $150,000 per year
A bit about us:
Our client is one of the premier design-build general contracting firms in Chicagoland. They are known for their strong backlog of work due to high volume of repeat business, promoting from within whenever possible, and offering their employees the most cutting edge technology available. Apply today for immediate consideration!
Why join us?
Our client is at the forefront of the construction industry as a full-service design-build general contractor and construction management firm, boasting over a century of invaluable experience. Project types include commercial, multifamily, healthcare, industrial, among others. Renowned as one of Chicagoland's premier builders, they take pride in our ability to self-perform a spectrum of trades, including concrete, steel, and carpentry, ensuring unparalleled quality and precision in every project. As a member of our dynamic team, you'll not only contribute to our rich legacy but also embark on a personalized career progression journey, supported by industry-leading compensation plans that reflect our commitment to recognizing and rewarding your exceptional skills and dedication.
JOB DETAILS
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Permanent Construction Senior Estimator to join our dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced, innovative construction company, where you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our organization. You will be responsible for preparing detailed cost estimates for our construction projects, including labor, materials, and time requirements. This is a high-impact role that requires a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of construction processes and principles.
Responsibilities:
1. Prepare detailed, accurate, and comprehensive cost estimates for construction projects, including labor, materials, equipment, and time requirements.
2. Review and analyze blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates.
3. Participate in the preconstruction process, including attending meetings with clients, architects, and engineers to discuss project specifications and requirements.
4. Conduct site visits and gather all necessary data to aid in estimation process.
5. Prepare and submit bidding proposals to clients, ensuring all estimates are timely, accurate, and competitive.
6. Conduct takeoffs for construction projects, including calculating the quantity of materials needed and the total cost of materials.
7. Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other construction professionals to develop a comprehensive understanding of project requirements.
8. Track and analyze key data to monitor and improve estimation accuracy.
9. Stay updated on industry trends and advancements, incorporating this knowledge into your estimation processes.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. A minimum of 3 years of experience in construction estimating or a related role.
2. Proven experience in estimating, preconstruction, bidding, takeoffs, and construction.
3. Strong knowledge of construction processes, materials, and labor requirements.
4. Proficiency in using industry-specific software for estimation and takeoffs.
5. Exceptional analytical and mathematical skills, with a keen eye for detail.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of professionals.
7. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and other construction documents.
8. Strong problem-solving skills, with a creative approach to overcoming challenges.
9. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and importance.
10. Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Easy Apply" button.
Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Information collected and processed as part of your Jobot candidate profile, and any job applications, resumes, or other information you choose to submit is subject to Jobot's Privacy Policy, as well as the Jobot California Worker Privacy Notice and Jobot Notice Regarding Automated Employment Decision Tools which are available at jobot.com/legal. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Jobot, and/or its agents and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy here: jobot.com/privacy-policy.
Want to learn more about this role and Jobot?
Click our Jobot logo and follow our LinkedIn page!
See all 383+ OPT Construction Estimator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Construction Estimator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Construction Estimator
Target mid-size general contractors first
Large ENR 400 contractors like Turner or Hensel Phelps have established HR processes for OPT hiring. Mid-size regional firms often move faster and have less bureaucracy around work authorization, making them practical first targets.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Construction projects run on long timelines, so employers want to know how long you can work. Explain your OPT end date clearly and, if your degree qualifies, mention STEM OPT extension gives you up to three additional years.
Emphasize estimating software proficiency
Proficiency in tools like Procore, Bluebeam, or Sage Estimating signals you can contribute immediately. Employers weighing OPT paperwork against hiring ease will move faster when they see technical skills that reduce onboarding time.
Pursue roles tied to government-funded infrastructure projects
Federal and state infrastructure projects often require diverse hiring practices and carry longer project cycles. Employers on these contracts are accustomed to documentation requirements and tend to be more open to OPT candidates.
Quantify your estimating experience with real numbers
Hiring managers respond to specifics. Mention the dollar value of projects you've estimated, accuracy rates, or cost savings you identified. Concrete figures make your OPT status feel like a manageable detail, not a dealbreaker.
Connect through construction industry associations
Organizations like AACE International and the American Institute of Constructors host student chapters and networking events. Direct conversations with contractors and owners open doors that online applications alone rarely do for international candidates.
Construction Estimator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Construction Estimator on OPT?
Yes, as long as your job is directly related to your degree field, such as construction management, civil engineering, or architecture. OPT requires that your employment be tied to your major area of study. Estimating roles that involve cost analysis, quantity takeoffs, and project planning typically satisfy this requirement, but you should confirm the connection with your DSO.
Does a Construction Estimator role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree classification. If your degree is in civil engineering, construction engineering, or a related STEM field with a qualifying CIP code, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. A general construction management degree may or may not qualify depending on the exact program. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
How do I find Construction Estimator jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Browsing Construction Estimator listings on Migrate Mate lets you focus on employers already open to OPT candidates, saving time you'd otherwise spend screening roles that won't consider international applicants.
What happens if my OPT expires before a construction project ends?
Your legal authorization to work ends when your OPT expires, regardless of project timelines. If your employer wants to retain you, they'll need to sponsor an H-1B visa or another visa before your OPT runs out. Raising this conversation early, ideally within the first few months of employment, gives both you and your employer time to plan and file before the deadline.
Do I need to report a new Construction Estimator job to my DSO while on OPT?
Yes. Any new job, change in employer, change in employment type, or gap in employment must be reported to your DSO, who will update your SEVIS record. Failing to report changes can put your OPT status at risk. Keep records of your start date, employer name, job title, and how the role relates to your degree field.