Preconstruction Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Develop GMP estimates for Samara’s internal development projects, from conceptual through design development.
• Provide cost feedback to the Product Development team at key design gates — early enough that changes are still cheap.
• Estimate self-perform installation scopes: structural connections, MEP tie-ins, drywall, roofing, and exterior siding.
• Run quantity takeoffs from drawings, specs, and 3D models.
• Develop bills of material at key product milestones.
• Estimate labor hours for internal field crews and pressure-test assumptions against actual production data.
• Price change orders for the internal install team — accurate, timely, and well-documented.
• Provide technical guidance and pricing support to the offshore Remote Estimating team on customer-facing site quotes when needed.
• Maintain unit cost libraries using industry cost databases and Samara historical data.
• Solicit, level, and award subcontractor and vendor proposals for outsourced scope.
• Surface cost risk, scope ambiguity, and schedule pressure points early — and document the assumptions behind every estimate.
• Partner with the Estimating Manager to refine templates, workflows, and SOPs as the function matures.

Qualifications

• Average of 5 years of construction estimating experience, across both subcontracted and self-perform scopes.
• General contractor background, ideally on residential single-family or small multifamily projects.
• Light commercial works too.
• Working knowledge of light-gauge steel framing.
• Proficiency with takeoff and estimating tools (Autodesk Construction Cloud and ProEst preferred) and strong Excel skills.
• Sharp attention to detail and clear written and verbal communication.
• Collaborative, social, and comfortable building process in a fast-moving startup.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Estimating in modular or prefabricated construction.
• Background in design-build project delivery.
• Familiarity with GMP development and preconstruction processes.
• ASPE certification (CPE or CEP).
• Experience integrating cost data with ERP, MRP, or BOM systems.

What We Offer

• Salary range of $125–145K and performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid work schedule with 3 days each week in our Redwood City office (Tue–Thur).
• Early stage employee equity.
• Exceptional health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) eligibility after 6 months.
• Flexible PTO policy.

How To Apply

If you are excited about the opportunity to shape Samara’s preconstruction function and play a key role in delivering our prefab homes, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter to this post.