Junior Estimator

About the role

This position supports the preconstruction team across multiple locations, estimating commercial projects in Irvine, Plano, Phoenix, or Roseville. The hire will collaborate with senior estimators to produce accurate construction pricing while building essential experience in fast-paced commercial environments. Success in this role requires owning the preparation of estimates with attention to detail and adherence to project requirements. The position emphasizes written communication, as decisions are often recorded and revisited for future reference. You will take notes, keep commitments, and make your work easy for others to review and build upon. Teams value professionals who share progress, set priorities, and ask for help early when needed. This role is an estimator building block for a long-term career in commercial construction.

Key facts

What you'll do

Assess project documents to prepare conceptual and detailed construction estimates for accurate pricing.

Perform quantity takeoffs using drawings and specifications to determine material and labor requirements.

Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals to prepare bid packages and conduct scope comparison analysis.

Review plans and contract documents to support value engineering efforts during the preconstruction phase.

Maintain subcontractor relationships while assisting with bid leveling and coordination activities.

Organize estimating files and documentation to facilitate smooth project handoffs to operations teams.

Update project budgets and estimates while assisting with preconstruction meetings across internal stakeholders.

Analyze historical data and project parameters to develop reliable cost projections for commercial work.

Assist in the development of estimating models and processes to improve team efficiency and accuracy.

Support the preparation of pricing packages that align with project scope and client expectations.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate assumptions and confirm project deliverables.

Track changes in project scope and communicate impacts to the preconstruction and project management teams.

Requirements

You must live within a commutable distance to Irvine, Plano, Phoenix, or Roseville to be considered for this role.

Bring 2 or more years of commercial construction estimating experience from a previous role in the field.

Estimating experience must come from working directly for a commercial general contractor on ground up commercial projects.

You must read and interpret construction drawings and specifications to perform accurate takeoffs without constant supervision.

Strong mathematical and analytical skills are necessary to evaluate project costs and identify potential savings.

Excellent organizational and communication skills support coordination with stakeholders at all project stages.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline driven environment is required to meet firm project timelines.

A Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field is preferred by the team.

You must be capable of working full-time with flexibility in locations where the role is actively staffed.

Professionalism, reliability, and accountability are expected in all interactions with team members and partners.

Willingness to learn new software tools and adapt to evolving estimating methodologies is essential for growth.

Practical notes

Typical interview steps

Interviews in this field typically test judgment, communication, and fit as much as technical skill. Be ready to describe a challenge you faced, what you did, and what you learned from the experience. Most companies value honest answers over polished ones, so respond with clarity and authenticity. Whatever the role, preparation is visible in the level of detail you bring to discussions. Reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before the conversation is the strongest step you can take. Understanding the business context will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute.

Good to know

Estimators use drawings and specifications to quantify work for commercial projects in a variety of settings. The role relies on software tools common in construction estimating to produce accurate pricing and reports. Collaboration with preconstruction teams helps align estimates with project scope and reduces rework. Continuous learning supports updates to methods, regulations, and material costs in a rapidly changing industry. Entry level estimators develop skills through direct project participation, feedback from seniors, and structured training when available. You will encounter fast timelines and detailed documentation, requiring patience and thoroughness in your work.

Questions to ask

Useful questions for the interview include asking what a typical week looks like for the role and how work is assigned on projects.

Ask about the tools the team uses for estimating, takeoffs, and budget tracking to understand daily workflows.

Inquire how feedback is given and received, and how performance is reviewed over time.

Ask how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when they first joined the company.

Questions about the manager's priorities, expectations for the first ninety days, and success metrics are especially valued by the team.

Career growth

Career growth comes from taking on harder problems and making your work visible within the organization. Look for opportunities to own outcomes, mentor others, and learn the business beyond your immediate team. Growth in any career comes from scope, results, and the reputation you build through consistent performance. Take on work that is slightly uncomfortable, and make sure your contributions are visible to leaders and stakeholders. Seeking feedback and applying it quickly will accelerate your development in this role.

About the company

Uprite Construction is hiring for Junior Estimator. Candidates must be located near Irvine, Plano, Phoenix, or Roseville. The role offers full-time engagement in commercial construction estimating with opportunities for professional development.