Lead Estimator

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates, quantity takeoffs, and pricing models for a wide range of Design-Build projects, including production residential, custom residential, commercial, hospitality, educational, and other product types.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project budgets that integrate with ICON’s internal design, construction, and 3D printing operations.
• Partner with ICON’s Design Team, Build Operations, Print Operations, Material Supply Chain, and other teams to ensure project designs are both cost-efficient and constructible.
• Contribute throughout the pre-construction phase during the design development process with a focus on budget, constructability, and value engineering and early tradepartner engagement.
• Collaborate with the Building Design & Performance, Material Science, and Technology teams to identify innovative materials, processes, and design optimizations that result in measurable cost savings/value engineering.
• Support Business Development with conceptual and schematic-level estimates for project pursuits, proposals, and pricing strategies.
• Lead bid solicitations/RFP, evaluate subcontractor proposals, perform bid-leveling, and ensure comprehensive scope coverage and competitive pricing.
• Conduct market research and maintain updated cost databases and benchmark models to reflect current pricing, escalation, and regional trends.
• Review design documents and specifications for accuracy, coordination, and completeness, providing actionable feedback to design and engineering teams.
• Support the development of project delivery strategies, procurement plans, and subcontractor engagement approaches that align with ICON’s integrated general contracting model.
• Prepare and present detailed estimate summaries, cost analyses, and variance reports to ICON leadership and client stakeholders.
• Serve as a technical resource to fellow estimators, project managers, construction managers and architects, promoting consistency, accuracy, and continuous improvement in ICON’s estimating processes.
• Develop reliable, defensible estimates with limited project documentation by applying industry experience and sound cost assumptions, clearly identifying scope gaps and risk factors.
• Deliver fast-turnaround estimates during early design and feasibility phases, making sound assumptions based on project type, location, and market conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in construction estimating, construction management, purchasing, project engineering or other pre-construction roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Proven track record of estimating projects as part of a general contractor or design-build organization, covering full project scopes from sitework through finish-out.
• Deep understanding of residential and light commercial construction, including both self-perform and subcontracted scopes.
• Expertise in cost modeling, value engineering, and risk management for complex and diverse project types.
• Proficiency with construction estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, PlanSwift, OST, RSMeans, Procore, or similar).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with high attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, reporting, and cost modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines including design, operations, and finance.
• Self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, high-growth environment and is passionate about advancing construction technology.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience working in design-build delivery where the contractor holds responsibility for both design coordination and construction execution.
• Background in innovative construction technologies such as modular construction, innovative materials, or delivery systems.
• Familiarity with military construction (MILCON) or other government-funded project estimating requirements.
• Experience integrating estimates with BIM tools such as Revit and Navisworks.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to translate technical cost data into executive-level insights.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or PMP are a plus.