Estimator - General Contractor

Overview

We are seeking an Estimator to join a leading cost consulting and project advisory team. This individual will play a key role in developing accurate cost estimates, budgets, and cost plans for large-scale construction projects throughout all phases of design and delivery. The ideal candidate will have experience performing detailed quantity take-offs, analyzing project documentation, and providing strategic cost guidance to clients and project teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed construction cost estimates.
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and measurement-based estimating from drawings and specifications.
• Develop cost plans, budgets, feasibility studies, and benchmarking analyses.
• Review architectural, structural, MEP, and specialty trade documentation to generate accurate pricing and cost forecasts.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, and project stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide value engineering recommendations and cost-saving alternatives while maintaining design intent and project objectives.
• Monitor market trends, labor rates, material pricing, and escalation factors to ensure estimate accuracy.
• Support cost benchmarking initiatives and maintain internal cost databases.
• Assist with client presentations, reporting, and project cost management deliverables.
• Participate in project meetings and provide ongoing cost advice during design and preconstruction phases.

Qualifications

• 2-10 years of estimating, cost consulting, quantity surveying, or construction cost management experience.
• Strong experience performing quantity take-offs and measurement-based estimating.
• Experience developing estimates from concept through construction documentation phases.
• Understanding of construction methods, systems, and cost drivers across multiple trades.
• Experience supporting large-scale commercial, infrastructure, healthcare, residential, mixed-use, or institutional projects.
• Strong analytical, communication, and client-facing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within the NYC construction market.
• MRICS designation or progress toward MRICS certification is highly desirable.
• Background working for a cost consultancy, quantity surveying firm, owner's representative, or construction management organization.
• Familiarity with international cost management and quantity surveying practices.
• Advanced proficiency with CostX, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar estimating software.
• Strong Excel and cost modeling capabilities.

Work Environment

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, consultant-led organization focused on technical excellence and strategic cost planning. The team works on some of the most notable and complex construction projects in the New York City market.

Schedule: Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote)

Location: New York City, NY

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of New York, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $42.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in New York,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email ... for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.