OPT Estimator Jobs
Estimator jobs are a strong fit for OPT students with degrees in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture. Most roles require proficiency in takeoff software and cost modeling. Your 12-month OPT window is typically enough to complete a full project bid cycle, and STEM OPT extensions apply if your program qualifies.
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INTRODUCTION
Are you ready to be part of a team that drives big ideas and even bigger wins? At Safran, we believe in the power of both collaboration and individual contributions. We understand that it takes diverse perspectives, problem-solving skills, dependability, and trust to push each other forward and achieve great success. For us, working here is more than just a job; it's a passion. There's the unique opportunity to lead the way in aerospace and defense and contribute to creating a safer and more sustainable world.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Estimator is responsible for creating proposals and bid documents in response to RFQs from Safran Test Cells (STC) customers. Based on an analysis of project technical requirements, they coordinate with sales, project management, engineering, procurement and other project stakeholders to develop cost effective solutions that provide the best value to our customers. Solutions include construction, engineering, manufacturing, or other implementation projects. The Project Estimator collects data and analyzes all project costs, including raw materials, labor, equipment and tooling to ensure estimates are accurate. They identify and quantify potential cost uncertainties to ensure costing models capture the full range of potential costs. Update costs as necessary based on new information and project scope changes.
- The Project Estimator work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project (level depending).
- Consults with STC's Engineering Management, identifying differences between new bids and historical bids to develop cost and price estimates for similar projects.
- In response to Customer's RFQ, specifications, etc., develops cost estimates, proposals, compliance matrix and other bid documents for STC projects to describe the solution that is being bid. Ensures proposal, bid documents and price estimates are consistent with each other.
- Collaborates with Sales and Engineering to balance competing priorities of cost and function to develop cost effective solutions providing Best Value to the customers.
- Collaborates with different engineering disciplines to develop solutions compliant with customer requirements.
- Partners with STC's Chain Management to identify vendors and get quotations for sub-contracted work.
- Assists STC's Supply Chain Management to maintain effective communication between suppliers and STC.
- Participates in sales discussions with customers and assist Sales in detailed scope discussions.
- Mentors & trains more junior team members (dependent on level).
- Assists the other Project Estimators & Quoting Manager with developing supporting bids from Safran Aero Boosters EU counterparts on STC International proposals and bids.
- Develops and maintains cost estimates and proposal text for standardized equipment.
- Participates in the development of promotional activities such as sales literature development and standard costing models.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Highly effective communication skills both verbal and written.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Computer skills — Microsoft Office, high proficiency in Excel and Word; knowledgeable in MS Projects and PowerPoint.
- Detail-oriented self-starter with ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple activities and communicate goals, objectives, and accomplishments to team members.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Demonstrated ability to read engineering drawings.
- Proficiency in mathematical calculations.
- Proven ability to think critically about both customer needs and solutions.
- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and seeks to maintain quality standards.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver a positive customer service experience. Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with vendors, suppliers, and team members.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Safran Test Cells offers a competitive medical plan with HMO and PPO options, as well as Vision coverage, Short-Term and Voluntary Long-Term Disability, Life and Accidental Death Insurance, and a 401(k) plan.
Vacation and Sick Leave: First-year employees earn 15 days of vacation, 10 days of sick leave, and 2 personal days.
Hybrid Work Schedule: Safran Test Cells offers a hybrid work schedule.
Safran Shareholding Plan: Employees have the opportunity to participate in the Safran Shareholding plan, which allows them to become shareholders and benefit from the company's growth.
COMPENSATION
Salary Range: The salary for this position ranges annually, depending on years of experience and training, and level of Project Estimator.
LOCATION
Location: New Brighton, Minnesota, United States
COMPANY INFORMATION
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's "World's Best Companies 2025" ranking.
Holding leading positions worldwide, Safran Aero Boosters designs, develops and manufactures modules, equipment and test benches for aerospace and space propulsion systems. Based in Belgium, Safran Aero Boosters operates two subsidiaries in the United States and brings together the expertise of 2,000 talented employees.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Estimator
Target firms that regularly bid public contracts
General contractors and specialty subcontractors with active public sector pipelines hire estimators consistently. These firms have structured workflows, defined roles, and more experience navigating work authorization paperwork than smaller private builders.
Lead with your software proficiency
Estimating roles screen heavily on tools. Highlight experience with Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or On-Screen Takeoff early in your resume and cover letter. Employers want to see you can contribute to live bids from day one without an extended ramp-up.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
Construction management and civil engineering are STEM-designated fields, making you eligible for a 24-month extension. Mentioning this during early conversations reduces employer hesitation about your authorization timeline significantly.
Apply to mid-size regional contractors first
Mid-size firms often have more hiring flexibility than national ENR-ranked contractors. They're actively building estimating teams, tend to move faster through interviews, and are more willing to sponsor once they see consistent performance on the job.
Quantify your bid experience concretely
Vague claims hurt your candidacy. State the project types, contract values, and trade scopes you've estimated. Saying you've priced mechanical and electrical packages on projects above a certain scale is far more persuasive than listing generic estimating skills.
Use your OPT period to build a sponsorship case
Document every bid you contribute to, every scope you own, and every award your firm wins. When H-1B visa season arrives, that paper trail becomes your employer's justification for filing. Start building it from week one.
Estimator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do estimator jobs typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Sponsorship is more common at established general contractors and specialty firms than at smaller builders or owner-developer shops. Estimators who demonstrate value during their OPT period and hold a STEM-qualifying degree are in the strongest position to request sponsorship. Browsing active listings on Migrate Mate lets you filter for employers with a documented history of sponsoring construction and engineering roles.
Is an estimator role considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Estimator positions generally qualify as specialty occupations when the role requires applying engineering or construction management principles at a level that normally requires a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field. Roles that involve complex systems estimating, such as mechanical, electrical, or structural scopes, tend to have a clearer specialty occupation argument than general labor cost roles. Your employer's immigration attorney will make the final determination based on your specific job duties.
Can I work as an estimator on OPT with a construction management degree?
Yes. Construction management is a recognized field, and estimator roles align directly with that coursework. Your work must relate to your degree field to remain in valid OPT status. Roles involving cost planning, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bidding, and budget forecasting all fall within the scope of construction management, so most estimating positions satisfy the practical training requirement without issue.
Does a construction management degree qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Construction management programs are included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List under CIP code 15.1001, so graduates are eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. This extends your total work authorization to three years and gives employers significantly more time to sponsor you for an H-1B. Confirm your specific program's CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
What project types should I focus on to improve my H-1B sponsorship chances as an estimator?
Commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects handled by established contractors tend to produce the clearest specialty occupation cases. These firms have structured estimating departments, defined roles by discipline, and legal teams familiar with immigration filings. Healthcare, data center, and transportation infrastructure sectors have been particularly active in hiring and sponsoring estimators with engineering or construction management backgrounds.