Materials Cost Estimator

Rise Modular is transforming the construction industry through innovative volumetric modular building solutions. By combining advanced manufacturing with modern construction practices, Rise delivers high-quality multifamily, hospitality, student housing, workforce housing, and affordable housing projects faster, more efficiently, and more sustainably than traditional construction methods.

About the role

This role is critical to ensuring Rise’s value proposition is credible, defensible, and grounded in real construction economics. The Materials Cost Estimator is responsible for developing, maintaining, and refining comprehensive material cost estimates for modular construction projects across the building scope and all material categories.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive material cost estimates and quantity takeoffs across the entire modular building scope and all material categories:
  • Good-Faith estimates requiring 48-hour turnaround
  • Full takeoffs and material estimates prior to contract price development
• Interpret architectural and structural drawings/specifications to determine precise material requirements and accurate cost estimates.
• Continuously review estimates throughout the project life-cycle and adjust material quantities, assumptions, and costs to reflect change orders.
• Conduct Add & Alternate material analysis.
• Differentiate between standard materials (used across all projects) and job-specific materials in refining estimates.
• Utilize historical purchasing, estimation, consumption, and cost data to improve estimate accuracy, identify cost trends, validate assumptions, and support cost optimization.
• Develop material specification analyses based on initial takeoffs.
• Assist in translating and refining project estimates into detailed, accurate, and executable Bills of Material (BOMs) as the project advances from planning & design to manufacturing readiness.
• Partner with the Procurement team to validate pricing assumptions, support sourcing strategies, evaluate material alternatives, and optimize price per mod.
• Utilize Kinetic ERP to assign material costs and use rates for manufacturing processes and develop accurate job costing information.
• Coordinate with Project Managers and designers to maintain alignment between project requirements, design maturity, cost expectations, schedules, and material planning.
• Assist in developing Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Quote (RFQs) to resolve scope uncertainty, obtain accurate supplier pricing, and support procurement decisions.
• Maintain current and accurate material records, cost information, and related estimating data within the company’s systems.
• Inform pricing strategy and margin discipline.
• Provide cost insight to Rise leadership—know what goes into every mod and its cost within a reasonable variance.
• Support continuous improvement in estimating standards, takeoff methods, cost databases, BOM-development practices, and estimating-to-ERP workflows.

Requirements

• Deep experience in estimating, pre-construction, materials estimating, or a related field.
• Exposure to multiple markets across the US, primarily Midwest and mountain regions.
• Experience pricing real projects, not just conceptual models.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret architectural and structural drawings, specifications, schedules, and other construction documentation.
• Eagerness to learn the modular manufacturing process and understand how construction designs translate into repeatable production requirements.
• A positive and proactive attitude toward learning new systems, software, and methods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background at a mid-size general contractor
• Experience with multifamily, hospitality, or mixed-use projects
• Experience in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing estimating
• Experience with Revit and Bluebeam
• Exposure to modular or off-site construction
• Exposure to Epicor ERP systems

What Success Looks Like

• Reliable material estimates we can refine into detailed, precise Bills of Material
• Improved confidence in Rise’s pricing and value proposition
• Reduced pricing surprises

Pay

The salary range for this role is $90,000 – $115,000 annually. Actual salaries may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Life and disability insurance
• 401k participation
• Paid holidays and paid time off

Above all else, our team members should have a positive attitude and be flexible as to job responsibilities. We have a collaborative, team-focused, and fast-paced environment and welcome team members who are interested in working for a progressive and innovative organization.