Job Title: Structural Steel Estimator
Location: Full-Time Remote
Working Hours: Full-Time, Monday to Friday (Oregon / Pacific Time Zone), 40 hours/week, 8 hours/day
Compensation: $1,500 - $2,500 USD per month (all-inclusive, based on experience)
About the Company
Our client, is a lean, highly specialized steel fabrication and steel erection subcontractor with a tight-knit team of ~30 people. Known for their practical approach and commitment to quality, they serve commercial and structural metal projects by delivering precise fabrication and reliable job-site execution.
About the Opportunity
To support ongoing operations and replace a retiring lead estimator with ~40 years of industry experience, Sunburst Fabrications is seeking a skilled Structural Steel Estimator. You will serve as a core operational hire, taking full ownership of cost estimation, detailed material takeoffs, and competitive bid generation.
As a Structural Steel Estimator, you will review blueprints, structural design documents, and project specifications to build precise, accurate estimates for both fabrication and erection scopes.
You will work closely with project managers, sales teams, and clients to align on estimate details, support project planning, and monitor cost tracking throughout the project lifecycle.
This position is ideal for a proactive, highly detailed estimator with dedicated structural steel experience who thrives in a remote setting, takes pride in high-accuracy work, and communicates directly and practically.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Takeoffs
Cost Estimation: Prepare accurate, detailed cost estimates for structural steel fabrication and erection projects from initial inquiry through competitive bid submission.
Blueprint & Specification Analysis: Review and thoroughly analyze structural blueprints, engineering specifications, design documents, and scope requirements.
Material & Labor Calculations: Develop detailed material takeoffs and accurately calculate shop fabrication hours, field erection labor, equipment, and material costs.
Bidding & Software Tools: Utilize key industry software and digital estimating tools to calculate quantities, model scopes, and generate competitive bid proposals.
Stakeholder Coordination & Lifecycle Support
Cross-Functional Communication: Communicate directly and clearly with project managers, sales representatives, detailed drafters, and clients regarding estimate nuances, scope boundaries, and value engineering possibilities.
Cost Tracking & Planning: Support project planning, handoffs, and ongoing cost tracking throughout the construction lifecycle to help maintain profitability and schedule accuracy.
Clarification & Scope Alignment: Ask sharp, clarifying questions early in the bidding process to eliminate scope gaps and ensure accurate alignment with project specifications.
Required Qualifications & Attributes
Must Have:
Experience: 5+ years of dedicated, hands-on experience specifically in structural steel estimating.
Technical Background: Proven background and working knowledge of steel fabrication, detailing, or erection processes.
Software Proficiency: Proficiency in key industry tools: AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Excel, MS Project, Revit, and SketchUp.
Communication: Fluent written and spoken English communication skills; comfortable interacting with executive leadership, project managers, and clients in a practical, direct manner.
Work Ethic & Autonomy: Strong ownership mentality, extreme attention to detail, and the ability to work full-time independently in a remote setting with minimal supervision.
Commitment: Available for full-time commitment only (40 hours/week, aligned with Oregon / Pacific Time Zone).
Nice to Have: Standout Signals & Preferred Experience
Dual Discipline Expertise (Fabrication + Detailing): Candidates who combine estimating knowledge with hands-on experience in both steel fabrication AND steel detailing.
Track Record of Commitment: Demonstrated tenure of 3+ years at previous companies or roles.
Project Scope: Strong background working specifically on commercial or complex structural metal projects.
Additional Software: Familiarity with Procore is a plus.
Education: Bachelor's degree preferred (or equivalent practical industry experience).
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