Job Information
Actalent Estimator in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Job Title: Estimator
Job Description
The Estimator plays a key role in developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for heavy highway and heavy industrial construction projects. This position reviews specifications and drawings, prepares detailed quantity takeoffs using estimating software, collaborates closely with operations and field teams, and interfaces with vendors and subcontractors to ensure complete and precise bids. The role requires strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and a high level of professionalism in all internal and external interactions.
Responsibilities
Review proposal specifications, construction drawings, and related documents to determine the full scope of work for each project.
Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct site visits to gather critical information, understand project conditions, and develop appropriate work approaches.
Collaborate with operations staff and other internal stakeholders to define construction means and methods and incorporate them into project estimates.
Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and input data into computerized estimating software, including HCSS Heavy Bid, to develop comprehensive cost estimates.
Evaluate design options and recommend the most cost-effective and technically sound solutions based on cost, engineering quality, and material availability.
Manage bid timelines effectively to ensure accurate and timely preparation of assigned portions of estimates and complete bid packages.
Organize, structure, and document estimates so they can be easily understood for internal review and efficiently transitioned to field personnel for project execution.
Maintain organized files of working documents, including current and accurate pricing information from suppliers and subcontractors through direct contact, sales brochures, and price lists.
Review and incorporate historical data such as purchase orders, subcontracts, and productivity analysis reports into current estimates to improve accuracy and competitiveness.
Interface with vendors and subcontractors to solicit, obtain, and evaluate quotes, ensuring that proposed services and products meet project requirements and are properly reflected in the estimate.
Verify and refine estimates to achieve the highest level of accuracy that is reasonable and achievable within the bid schedule.
Uphold and demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and ethical behavior when interacting with clients, engineers, vendors, partners, and colleagues.
Access all points of construction sites in a variety of climates and environments to gather information needed for estimating and project planning.
Travel as needed, including occasional overnight trips, to attend site visits, meetings, and other project-related activities.
Assess safety considerations related to project conditions and incorporate them into planning and estimating assumptions.
Communicate effectively using both verbal and written communication to convey estimate details, assumptions, and recommendations to internal teams and external partners.
Make informed decisions within the scope of estimating responsibilities and assume accountability for the quality and accuracy of assigned work.
Maintain a high level of concentration and attention to detail, even in busy or noisy construction environments.
Identify and help resolve conflicts related to scope, pricing, or assumptions during the estimating and preconstruction process.
Essential Skills
5–10 years of experience in estimating, cost control, and/or project engineering or project management related to heavy highway or heavy industrial construction.
Undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Advanced knowledge of construction estimating techniques and cost control methods.
Ability to interpret and work with computerized cost data and estimating systems.
Proficiency with estimating software, with preferred experience using HCSS Heavy Bid.
Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and blueprints.
Experience in commercial construction environments, particularly heavy civil or industrial projects.
Ability to access and move around construction sites in a variety of climates and site conditions.
Ability to lift, carry, pull, and push at least 40 pounds as needed on site visits.
Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey technical and cost information clearly.
Ability to concentrate on detailed tasks and maintain accuracy under time constraints.
Ability to make sound decisions and take accountability for estimating outcomes.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to estimate accuracy.
Ability to manage stress and emotions effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Knowledge and expertise in geotechnical construction is a strong plus.
Experience or exposure to geotechnical or geotech-related estimating and construction practices.
Experience as a geotechnical estimator or working on projects involving geotechnical scopes is beneficial.
Familiarity with commercial construction practices and heavy construction operations.
Ability to interpret and analyze blueprints and technical drawings for complex projects.
Experience working with vendors and subcontractors to obtain and evaluate bids.
Ability to identify and resolve conflicts related to project scope, pricing, or assumptions.
Demonstrated ability to assess safety considerations in planning and estimating.
Strong interpersonal skills and a professional, ethical approach to working with clients, engineers, vendors, and partners.
Work Environment
This role operates primarily in an office environment with frequent interaction with project teams, operations staff, vendors, and subcontractors, as well as regular visits to active construction sites. The Estimator uses computerized estimating tools, including HCSS Heavy Bid and other standard office software, to prepare and analyze cost estimates. Site visits may involve exposure to busy and noisy construction environments, varying weather conditions, and uneven terrain, and require the ability to freely access all points of a construction site and to lift, carry, pull, and push at least 40 pounds. The position includes travel in accordance with company travel policies, often requiring overnight stays away from home. The work involves periods of intense concentration to meet bid deadlines, with a strong emphasis on safety awareness, attention to detail, and effective communication. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; short-term and long-term disability; accidental death and dismemberment and life insurance; maternal and paternal leave; a 401(k) with matching; a safe harbor retirement plan; an employee assistance program; paid vacation; and sick days, supporting both professional performance and personal well-being in a collaborative, professional construction environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Kalamazoo, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $130000.00/yr.
Benefits: • Medical • Dental • Vision • Short Term Disability • Long Term Disability • Accidental Death and Dismemberment • Life Insurance • Maternal and Paternal Leave • 401(k)matching • Safe Harbor Retirement Plan • Employee Assistance Program • Paid Vacation • Sick Days
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Kalamazoo,MI.
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.