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.

Additional information

Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit candidates through this application. ICON does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency submissions for candidates and will not pay fees to any third-party agency without a prior agreement with ICON.

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