Title: Lead Estimator
Location: Remote from any state
Duration: 12 months contract to hire
Pay: $50 - $60 +
Overtime is 1.5x
Schedule: 40 - 60 hours a week but average is 45
Start date: ASAP
Current openings: 1
Position Summary
The Lead Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and financially sound cost estimates for instrumentation, controls, and automation projects supporting industrial and infrastructure-related environments. Working closely with Sales, Engineering, and Operations teams, this position evaluates project requirements, technical documentation, and scope details to develop labor, equipment, and material cost projections.
This role serves as a key contributor to project pursuit efforts by ensuring proposals are both technically aligned and commercially competitive.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Proposal Development
- Review project documentation including proposals, specifications, drawings, and related materials to determine project scope and estimating requirements
- Analyze project requirements and identify cost drivers including labor, materials, equipment, overhead expenses, permitting requirements, and other project-related costs
- Prepare complete cost estimates, including direct and indirect project expenses, and develop detailed bid proposals
- Develop equipment lists, material takeoffs, and control system component listings in support of proposal preparation
- Define engineering service requirements and prepare scope clarifications, assumptions, inclusions, and exclusions for project proposals
- Present estimated labor, material, and overall project costs to internal stakeholders and leadership teams during proposal reviews
Collaboration & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Work closely with Engineering, Sales, and Operations teams to ensure estimates accurately reflect project scope and technical requirements
- Solicit, review, and analyze pricing from suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors for equipment and services
- Participate in project review meetings, site visits, pre-bid discussions, and customer clarification meetings as required
- Coordinate with project stakeholders to identify potential risks, scope gaps, or opportunities during the estimating process
Continuous Improvement & Documentation
- Review awarded projects and compare actual performance metrics against estimate assumptions to improve future estimating accuracy
- Maintain organized estimating documentation and project records in accordance with internal standards and procedures
- Support development and refinement of estimating templates, pricing databases, and standard estimating tools
- Assist with process improvements intended to increase consistency and efficiency across estimating activities
Reporting Structure
This position works closely with leadership and cross-functional teams including Sales, Engineering, Business Development, Purchasing, and Project Management personnel.
Qualifications & Skills
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills with the ability to develop detailed cost models and estimates
- Knowledge of industrial controls, instrumentation systems, and common industry standards and specifications
- Ability to read and interpret process documentation, electrical schematics, and project specifications
- Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and prioritization abilities
- Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
Education & Experience
Candidates should possess one of the following combinations of education and experience:
- Associate degree in Engineering or related technical discipline with relevant industry experience
- Equivalent industry experience combined with related technical education or coursework
- Minimum two years of experience in an estimating role required
- Previous experience in industrial, infrastructure, controls, automation, or related environments preferred
Preferred Certifications
Preferred qualifications may include:
- Estimating certifications
- Project management certifications
- Equivalent industry-recognized credentials or experience
Physical Requirements
- Ability to regularly use computers and office equipment throughout the workday
- Ability to sit for extended periods with occasional standing and walking requirements
- Ability to lift and move materials or equipment as necessary
- Adequate visual capabilities to perform detailed technical and analytical work
Travel Requirements
- Limited travel may be required
- Occasional travel for project site visits, customer meetings, and pre-bid activities may occur
Work Environment
This position primarily operates within an office setting utilizing standard business and technical equipment. Work conditions are generally moderate, with occasional travel to project or customer locations as needed.
FootBridge is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. We make employment decisions based on qualifications and business needs, without discrimination on any basis, and we welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Pay: $50.00 - $60.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Remote
