Estimator I

Balfour Beatty US is an industry-leading provider of general contracting, at-risk construction management and design-build services for public and private sector clients across the nation. Performing heavy civil and vertical construction, our teams build the unique structures and infrastructure that play an important role in how people live, work, learn and play in our communities. Our teammates have an instinctive passion for innovating that is fueled by a relentless curiosity, a drive to employ lean practices and processes and the determination to find a better way. Through Zero Harm, we are challenging the construction industry's assumptions about safety. We believe that no level of harm should come to anyone as a result of our business.

Consistently ranked among the nation's largest building contractors by Engineering News-Record, our US business is a subsidiary of London-based Balfour Beatty plc (LSE: BBY).

Our Benefits

Balfour Beatty offers employees a comprehensive compensation and benefit package:

Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

Health Savings Account

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Tuition Assistance

Employee Referral Bonus

And more!

Summary

Balfour Beatty is seeking an Estimator I to join our Charlotte team within the Carolinas Division. The ideal candidate will be an early-career construction professional with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a desire to grow within the preconstruction and estimating field.

The Estimator I is responsible for performing quantity takeoffs, evaluating subcontractor bids, developing unit pricing, analyzing project documents, and supporting the preparation of complete and accurate estimates across all project stages - from schematic design through construction documents. Working closely with the preconstruction and operations teams, this role plays a key part in developing pricing strategies and ensuring the quality and accuracy of project estimates.

Essential Functions

• Quantity Takeoffs & Cost Development: Perform accurate and timely quantity surveys; calculate labor, material, and equipment costs for all levels of project documents.

• Document Review: Analyze drawings, specifications, and RFP/bid documents; develop clarifications, assumptions, and identify scope gaps with assistance from project leadership.

• Subcontractor Engagement: Solicit, collect, and analyze subcontractor and vendor pricing; assist in evaluating scopes of work and developing bid comparisons.

• Preconstruction Support: Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, trade preconstruction meetings, and hand-off/start-up meetings.

• Unit Pricing & Scoping: Develop unit costs, review subcontractor proposals, and prepare scoping sheets.

• Technical Analysis: Perform technical and plan reviews; obtain clarifications from architects and engineers when necessary.

• Software & Tools: Become proficient in estimating and preconstruction software including DESTINI, On-Screen Takeoff, Paydirt, iSqFt, Procore, and historical databases (e.g., RSMeans, Dodge).

• Collaboration & Communication: Build strong working relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, design teams, and internal project partners.

• Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to expand knowledge of construction materials, systems, and estimating best practices.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business Analytics, Data Science, or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and analytical/technical experience.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and apply insights to cost decisions.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and data tools (Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software platforms and emerging technologies, including AI-enhanced tools.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present data findings clearly to project teams.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to work across Preconstruction, Operations, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to estimating or preconstruction (through internships, coursework, projects, or industry experience), including outside traditional construction pathways.
• Experience with digital quantity takeoff or estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), DESTINI, Agtek, Assemble, ProEst, Sage Estimating, or similar platforms.
• Experience using AI-driven, automated, or data-centered tools to improve efficiency or support decision making.
• Familiarity with BIM, model-based workflows, 3D quantities, or point-cloud data.
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and terminology is helpful but not required.
• Experience in data-heavy fields (finance, supply chain, analytics, engineering, etc.) that involve modeling or complex analysis.
• Advanced Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, macros) or comfort working with large datasets.
• Coursework or experience with Python, R, SQL, VBA, or other analytical programming languages is a plus.
• Curiosity and passion for learning new technologies, automation tools, and emerging GenAI applications in the estimating space.

Balfour Beatty is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state or local law.