Job Information
Actalent Estimator in Cary, North Carolina
Job Title: EstimatorJob Description
The Estimator plays a key role in achieving annual booking goals by developing accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for construction projects of varying size and complexity. This role focuses on understanding backlog needs, maximizing profitability, and preparing complete estimates across one or more disciplines, including site development, grading, and utilities. The Estimator works in a collaborative team environment, supports corporate estimating functions, and actively contributes to business development, industry engagement, and strong customer relationships.
Responsibilities
Adhere to and implement established estimating processes and best practices across all assigned projects.
Assist the Estimating Manager in coordinating overall corporate estimating functions to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Review proposal specifications, drawings, geotechnical information, and labor and material requirements to fully understand project scope.
Prepare itemized lists of work and materials, conduct site walks, and attend pre-bid meetings to determine the scope of work and the contents of the estimate.
Prepare detailed estimates by calculating complete quantity takeoffs for the full scope of work.
Determine cost effectiveness by accurately quantifying and pricing labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractor services required to perform the work.
Write clear and detailed scopes of work for bid proposals, including all pertinent terms and conditions, inclusions, and exclusions.
Interface with owners and architects/engineers to provide pricing information, formal proposals, and value engineering ideas that enhance project value.
Follow up on submitted proposals and be prepared to discuss status, strategy, and results in weekly estimating meetings.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant software tools for takeoff, estimate and bid creation, scheduling, subcontractor solicitation, office management, and customer relationship management.
Visit active project sites when feasible to gain firsthand understanding of production rates, means and methods, and construction activities used by field personnel.
Assist with the creation of the yearly business plan and stay current with market trends that affect pricing, competition, and opportunities.
Support the Estimating Manager in coordinating staff training to ensure team members develop their technical and professional skills.
Review Estimator and Junior Estimator assignments for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to company standards.
Mentor and facilitate the professional growth of Junior Estimators and Estimators through coaching, feedback, and knowledge sharing.
Research future project opportunities through personal contacts, industry relationships, and online search tools.
Attend relevant industry events and actively participate in business development with owners, architects/engineers, vendors, and other contractors.
Engage in industry or trade group associations, including committees or boards, to build networks and stay informed about industry developments.
Prepare and lead Hand-Off, Kick-Off, and Post Project Review meetings with project managers and field staff to ensure smooth project transitions and continuous improvement.
Provide estimating support for change orders as needed, including pricing, documentation, and coordination with project teams.
Essential Skills
Proven experience in construction estimating with a focus on civil and site development projects.
Strong ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs and prepare complete estimates for grading and utilities work.
Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software, including Agtek and Heavybid.
Solid understanding of construction means and methods related to site development, grading, and utility installation.
Ability to interpret and analyze proposal specifications, construction drawings, and geotechnical information.
Strong cost analysis skills, including the ability to accurately quantify and price labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors.
Excellent written communication skills to prepare clear scopes of work, terms and conditions, inclusions, and exclusions.
Effective verbal communication skills for interfacing with owners, architects/engineers, project managers, and field staff.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
Proficiency with general office and project-related software for estimate creation, scheduling, subcontractor solicitation, and customer relationship management.
Ability to participate actively in team meetings, including weekly estimating meetings and project hand-off sessions.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Background in civil or site development work, with experience in grading and utilities.
Familiarity with market trends in the construction industry and their impact on pricing and backlog planning.
Experience supporting or coordinating staff training within an estimating or construction team.
Experience mentoring junior team members and reviewing their work for accuracy and completeness.
Comfort representing the company at industry events and in business development activities.
Engagement or interest in participating in industry or trade group associations, committees, or boards.
Work Environment
The Estimator works in a professional office environment that emphasizes collaboration with estimating, project management, and field teams. The role involves regular use of specialized estimating and takeoff software such as Agtek and Heavybid, along with standard office and project management tools for scheduling, subcontractor solicitation, and customer relationship management. The position typically follows standard business hours, with flexibility required around bid deadlines and key meetings. Occasional visits to active construction sites provide opportunities to observe field operations, production rates, and construction methods firsthand. The culture encourages continuous learning, participation in industry events, and involvement in professional associations to stay current with market trends and industry best practices.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Cary, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $130000.00/yr.
Health, Dental, Vision PTO
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Cary,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.