Commercial Estimator (Construction) - Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

About the role

Department: Preconstruction/MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)

Location: Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) – Fully On-Site

Role Type: Full-time/FTE

Job Description

As a Commercial Construction Estimator, you will lead the preparation of comprehensive estimates and ensure the accuracy of subcontractor bids to secure profitable project awards. You will act as the primary liaison between Owners, Architects, and Consultants during the preconstruction phase, managing bid proposals for GMAX, Cost Plus, or Stipulated Sum contracts. This role is vital for bridging the gap between design and operations, ensuring that all project specifications and financial objectives are met.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation of full "cradle-to-grave" estimates for commercial projects ranging from $5M to $80M.
• Review architectural drawings and plans to prepare accurate quantity take-offs.
• Identify omitted items in negotiated work to ensure the full scope is represented in estimate packages.
• Solicit and analyze 3–5 subcontractor bids per trade for conformance to price and quality specifications.
• Lead bid-day activities by qualifying numbers and running comprehensive bid tabs.
• Maintain a centralized cost-estimating database using historical data to inform future bids.
• Attend client meetings to explain estimates, resolve pricing issues, and build long-term trust.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Superintendents to ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction to operations.
• Conduct post-project analysis to compare estimated costs against actual costs for process improvement.
• Monitor trends in construction codes and material costs to ensure bids remain competitive and compliant.

Required Experience/Skills

• 3–5 years of general construction estimating experience (interiors, K-12, Healthcare, or Commercial New builds).
• Strong competency in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) estimating is mandatory.
• Demonstrated experience with Procore, Bluebeam, Planswift, and MS Project.
• Proven ability to manage high-volume information flow and prioritize tasks under bid-day pressure.
• Excellent articulation and presentation skills for client-facing engagements.
• Analytical ability to question incomplete data and develop logical, timely solutions.

Nice-to-Haves

• Specific experience estimating for data centers or semiconductor fabrication projects.
• Experience in a small-company, family-centric environment where roles are fluid.
• Coachability and openness to training for candidates with 1–2 years of experience.
• Familiarity with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) meeting structures.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent professional work experience.

Pay & Benefits Summary

Salary: Base range of $80,000 (1–2 years exp.) up to $120,000 (5+ years exp.), with flexibility for exceptional MEP expertise.

Auto Allowance: $650 per month for travel and site walks.

Health, 401(k), & Time off

APPLY NOW!

*Connect with your Catapult Recruiter: Kailyn Hartley, directly at kailyn.hartley@catapultsg.com

*NOT AVAILABLE FOR C2C CONTRACTING*

MEP Estimator | Preconstruction Manager | Commercial Construction | DFW Jobs | Procore | Bluebeam | Data Center Estimating | Construction Bidding