Junior Estimator – Light Industrial Design-Build

Location: Atlanta, GA
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Opportunity

A growing design-build general contractor specializing in light-industrial construction is seeking a motivated Junior Estimator to join its preconstruction team. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career construction professional looking to develop their estimating skills while gaining exposure to the full design-build process.

The Junior Estimator will work closely with Senior Estimators, Project Managers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and clients to develop accurate and competitive estimates for ground-up light-industrial projects, including warehouses, distribution facilities, manufacturing facilities, and other commercial projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist with quantity takeoffs and preparation of detailed cost estimates.
• Review project plans, specifications, scopes of work, and design documents.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing.
• Assist with preparing bid packages and scope sheets.
• Maintain subcontractor and vendor relationships and pricing databases.
• Compare subcontractor bids and identify scope gaps or discrepancies.
• Assist with conceptual and preliminary estimates during the design phase.
• Research material, labor, and subcontractor costs.
• Track project budgets and estimate revisions throughout the design process.
• Participate in subcontractor and design coordination meetings.
• Assist with value engineering and cost-saving opportunities.
• Help prepare proposals, bid forms, and other preconstruction documentation.
• Maintain organized estimating files and project documentation.
• Work with the project management and operations teams to ensure estimates accurately reflect project requirements.
• Support Senior Estimators and Preconstruction Managers as needed.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of construction, estimating, project engineering, or related experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Internship or co-op experience in construction estimating will be considered.
• Strong understanding of construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to perform accurate quantity takeoffs and analyze project scopes.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with Bluebeam, Procore, Planswift, OST, or similar estimating/construction software is a plus.
• Light-industrial, warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, or commercial construction experience is preferred.

What You'll Get

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development and mentoring from experienced estimators.
• Opportunity to work on ground-up light-industrial projects from concept through construction.
• Exposure to both design and construction, providing a well-rounded understanding of the design-build process.
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing organization.
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment.

Why This Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity for a Junior Estimator who wants to grow into a Senior Estimator or Preconstruction Manager role. Because the company operates as a design-build contractor, you'll gain valuable experience across the entire project lifecycle—from conceptual estimating and design development through bidding, procurement, and construction.

If you're detail-oriented, analytical, and passionate about construction estimating, this is an opportunity to build a long-term career with a growing light-industrial design-build contractor.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.