Pre-Construction Estimator
Listed on 2026-01-12
-
Construction
Estimator, Building & Residential Construction -
Engineering
Estimator
Join to apply for the Pre-Construction Estimator role at Palmer's Security Solutions
Job Category:
Estimator
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location:
Virginia
PSS is looking for a highly skilled estimator to contribute to our corporate growth and help us maintain our position as an innovative authority within the industry. The ideal candidate will take initiative, be dependable, and detail‑oriented. Estimators are responsible for evaluating bid specifications and drawings, ensuring that we know everything required to successfully bid and win the project. They will be expected to draw up, estimate, and determine the overall costs of a new or existing construction project including projected time frames and additional factors such as labor needs, materials, budgets, and potential setbacks.
The estimator will collaborate with contractors, vendors/suppliers, and office support staff to develop project bids that estimate the amount necessary to complete the client project.
This is a full‑time salaried position that will typically be performed Monday – Friday 7 am – 4 pm at our corporate office in Manassas, VA. The position may require extra hours and occasional weekend work to meet tight deadlines for project bid submissions.
Minimum Requirements- Years of
Experience:
Five (5) years of experience in general construction estimating and at least two (2) years of experience with secure doors, frames, and hardware (DFH). - Education:
High School Degree or higher. - U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Project Knowledge:
Review bid requirements thoroughly and ask follow‑up questions on every bid. - Has a thorough understanding of the scope for specific trades assigned.
- Develop RFI’s and clarifications and ensure adequate staff and subcontractor coverage.
- Perform site walks to determine the necessary steps to complete projects.
- Performs a comprehensive “bid day” analysis and scope review checklist outlining project‑specific needs.
- Determine manpower needs and associated costs required to complete projects.
- Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing clients.
- Strong background in doors, frames, and hardware (DFH) to troubleshoot and resolve estimating issues that may arise throughout the bid process.
- Maintain strict adherence to the budgetary guidelines, quality, and safety standards required for each project.
- Bid Administration:
Collaborate with the internal business development team to accurately bid estimations on future projects. - Solicits and maintains communication with suppliers, vendors, and clients.
- Prepares bid packages.
- Ensures that we have the proper allowances for adequate staff coverage.
- Contact supply houses to obtain additional subcontractor bids.
- Shows creativity and resourcefulness to gain better pricing from vendors/suppliers.
- Submits 100% of bids and budgets by the bid deadline – no exceptions.
- Follow up & closing:
Consistently logs and tracks all bid submissions to include weekly follow‑ups with clients; knows architects, construction managers, property managers, brokers and can close business; reports directly to upper management for project updates and market tracking. - Project turnover:
Properly turns over bid documents and sub‑buyout information to Project Management promptly; goal is 100% of awarded projects turned over within 24 hours of notification; reviews drawings and job costs with the Project Management team; highlights any subs/material vendors that still need to be awarded; completes project kick‑off forms to ensure compliance; attends regular meetings with Executive Management, Superintendents, Assistant Project Managers, and accounting personnel to ensure successful completion of the project and have lessons learned.
- Competitive Salary
- Health Insurance with Vision & Dental
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Three (3) weeks Paid Time Off
- Six (6) Observed Holidays
- Company Events
- Manassas, VA:
Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
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