OVERVIEW
Job Title: Staff Capital Cost Estimator
Location: Remote (U.S. Only). Can be located anywhere in the US. Option to relocate to Cleveland, OH.
Schedule: M-F, Days. 40 Hrs/wk. No on-call or weekends required.
Salary Range: $119,000 - $154,000 (depending on experience)
Travel: 30% (Site visits required within the U.S.)
Total Compensation Package: Medical, Dental & Vision, 401k with match, PENSION PLAN, Company Stock Options, API Bonus, Continuing Education, Gym Reimbursement, Paid Travel Expenses, and more!
Required Experience: At least 10+ years of combined engineering and cost estimating experience. Demonstrated experience with Class 4 estimations for Industrial projects. Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (any discipline) or Construction Management.
Employment: Full-Time W2, Direct Hire
ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY:
We are placing a Staff Capital Cost Estimator (Class 3 & 4) on behalf of a global leader in manufacturing. This is a company where people don't just come to work, they build careers. This role owns the estimating function for capital projects across a large-scale North American manufacturing and distribution network, covering facility expansions, warehouse improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives across the global supply chain.
This is a high-impact role. You'll be the first dedicated estimator in the organization, supporting capital expansion projects at manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America. You'll work hand-in-hand with engineering, operations, supply chain, and project management teams to translate project concepts and designs into clear financial insights.
If you're someone who gets energized by complex problems, likes having a seat at the table, and can translate technical scope into financial insight that leadership actually acts on, this is the role for you.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
- Developing Class 3 and Class 4 capital cost estimates for manufacturing, warehouse, and facility expansion projects
- Producing detailed quantity take-offs and cost breakdowns across multiple engineering disciplines — equipment, civil/structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation
- Building, refining, and owning estimating methodologies and tools for the organization
- Reviewing engineering drawings, specs, scope of work documents, bid packages, and vendor/contractor quotes for accuracy and completeness
- Collaborating directly with business stakeholders, the design team, and project engineers to scope and estimate capital projects
- Researching and validating market pricing, labor rates, and equipment costs to keep estimates current and defensible
- Presenting estimates to internal stakeholders and leadership with clarity and confidence
- Traveling to manufacturing and distribution sites (~30%) for project-specific site visits — typical trips are 2–3 days
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
These are non-negotiable minimum requirements. Please review carefully before applying.
Experience — The Most Important Piece
We need someone for whom estimating is their primary professional identity. While an engineering foundation is important, you must have proven experience as an estimator.
What we Need to See:
- 10+ years of combined experience in construction, estimating, pre-construction, or capital project roles
- Experience can be a combination (e.g., 4 years dedicated estimating + 6 years engineering) — but estimating must be a substantive part of that history
- Proven experience with Class 3 and Class 4 estimation for Industrial and Manufacturing projects.
- Experience estimating high-budget Industrial/Manufacturing projects valued $20million+
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. — no sponsorship is available for this role
Education
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (any discipline) or Construction Management
Required Technical Skills:
- Hands-on experience with industry-standard estimating software — tools like ProEst, Procore, RS Means, or comparable platforms (specific tools are flexible; you must have used professional estimating software)
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project)
- Experience developing Scope of Work documents and reviewing approval vendors and contract bid packages
- Experience with project management including coordination of cross-functional teams
Strongly Preferred:
- Background from a general contractor, engineering firm, or construction management firm focused on capital/industrial projects
- Industrial or chemical estimating experience is preferred over commercial or retail construction
Nice to have, but not required: Strong candidates without these are still encouraged to apply.
- Membership or certification through ASPE (American Society of Professional Estimators)
- Experience estimating projects at manufacturing or chemical/industrial processing facilities
- Familiarity with capital project lifecycles including pre-construction, design, and construction phases
MILITARY VETERANS & MILITARY SPOUSES — YOU BELONG HERE
Blue United Sourcing is a Veteran-Owned Small Business, and we actively recruit from the military community. You are strongly encouraged to apply.
Don’t fit the criteria for this role? Join our Talent Network to be matched with future job openings that fit your experience and career goals.
Blue United Sourcing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
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