Estimator - General Contractor

Job Title: Senior Estimator (5-10 Years Experience)

Overview

We're looking for a high-performing estimator with 5-10 years of experience who is ready to take ownership of complex projects and play a key role in shaping cost strategies from concept through construction.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys deep technical estimating, wants greater visibility with clients and design teams, and is interested in transitioning toward a consultancy-driven, cost-planning environment (beyond just bid work).

You'll work on large-scale, high-profile NYC projects, building detailed cost models, influencing design decisions, and contributing directly to project success.

What You'll Do

• Own full-scope estimating across civil, architectural, façade, exterior, and roofing trades
• Build conceptual through GMP / CD-level estimates with increasing autonomy
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs (CostX/Bluebeam) and develop accurate cost build-ups
• Create and manage comprehensive cost plans, budgets, and feasibility analyses
• Partner directly with architects, engineers, and clients to provide cost guidance throughout design
• Drive value engineering exercises while protecting design intent
• Evaluate market conditions, escalation, and trade pricing trends to keep estimates relevant
• Contribute to and refine internal cost databases and benchmarking tools
• Support and gradually lead client presentations and reporting deliverables
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to team-wide best practices

What Sets This Role Apart

• More than bidding: Focus on true cost planning and advisory, not just chasing deadlines
• Client exposure: Opportunity to grow into client-facing responsibilities
• Project ownership: Take the lead on scopes and eventually entire projects
• Career growth: Clear path toward Senior Estimator / Cost Manager / MRICS track
• High-impact work: Involvement in complex, large-scale NYC developments

What You Bring

• 5-10 years of estimating experience (GC, CM, or consultancy background)
• Ability to independently run take-offs and build estimates with minimal oversight
• Strong experience with full lifecycle estimating (concept construction documents)
• Solid understanding of construction methods and trade-level cost drivers
• Proficiency in CostX, Bluebeam, and advanced Excel modeling
• Experience supporting or leading preconstruction efforts and bid phases
• Strong communication skills and interest in working directly with clients/design teams

Nice to Have

• Experience in consulting / owner's rep / cost advisory environments
• Familiarity with NYC construction market and pricing dynamics
• Exposure to benchmarking and cost database development
• Progress toward or interest in MRICS

Work Environment

• Hybrid (4 days in-office, 1 remote) in a collaborative NYC setting
• Work within a globally recognized consultancy known for technical excellence
• Heavy use of digital tools (CostX, Bluebeam, Excel) in a modern estimating workflow
• Team-oriented culture with consistent interaction across design and client stakeholders

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of New York, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $42.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in New York,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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.