Estimator / Senior Estimator – Multifamily Preconstruction

About CORE Builders:

CORE Builders is a premier general contractor known for delivering high-quality construction projects on time with a commitment to excellence, safety, client satisfaction, and our Vision of Success. We specialize in a variety of construction projects, from rehabilitation projects, affordable housing, and large-scale developments. We pride ourselves on our innovative approach and collaborative culture.

Position Summary:

CORE Builders is seeking an Estimator or Senior Estimator to join our Preconstruction team with a primary focus on estimating multifamily and affordable housing projects. This position will be responsible for developing project budgets and detailed estimates throughout the design process, from conceptual estimating through final subcontractor pricing and project award.

The successful candidate will work closely with owners, architects, design teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and Operations to develop accurate budgets, evaluate design development, identify value engineering opportunities, and manage the estimating process across multiple concurrent projects.

Following award, the Estimator/Senior Estimator will support subcontractor buyout, scope clarification, estimate-to-buyout reconciliation, and project handoff, creating continuity between the preconstruction estimate and project execution.

Key Responsibilities:

Multifamily Preconstruction Estimating

- Review drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, civil documents, and other project information to develop a comprehensive understanding of project scope.

- Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed estimates as project documents progress.

- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and prepare estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor work, general conditions, general requirements, and other project costs.

- Develop and maintain project budgets and cost models using ProEst, Excel, and other estimating tools.

- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing throughout the preconstruction process.

- Analyze and level proposals for scope, exclusions, assumptions, qualifications, and pricing.

- Identify scope gaps, design conflicts, constructability concerns, cost risks, and opportunities for value engineering.

- Prepare cost studies and provide pricing for design options, alternates, allowances, and owner-requested changes.

- Maintain detailed estimate documentation and clearly communicate assumptions, exclusions, and cost risks.

Multifamily / Affordable Housing Expertise

- Estimate a variety of multifamily construction types, including podium, wrap-style, walk-up, garden-style, wood-frame, townhome, stacked-flat, volumetric modular, and mixed-use/multifamily developments

- Develop and maintain cost benchmarks and historical pricing for multifamily construction.

- Analyze project-specific conditions including site logistics, phasing, building systems, unit mix, common areas, parking, and amenities.

- Collaborate with project teams to evaluate construction means, methods, sequencing, and schedule impacts on cost.

- Support market outreach and develop strong relationships with multifamily subcontractors and suppliers.

Preconstruction & Client Support

- Participate in owner, architect, and design-team meetings to communicate cost impacts and estimating assumptions.

- Participate in project interviews for project pursuits.

- Prepare estimates and cost reports for internal leadership and project stakeholders.

- Support value engineering and cost-reduction exercises while maintaining project scope and quality requirements.

- Assist with establishing project budgets, schedules, contingencies, and other preconstruction cost parameters.

- Track design development and identify cost impacts resulting from scope changes.

- Support multiple concurrent projects and maintain estimating schedules and deadlines.

Buyout & Project Handoff

- Support the Operations team with subcontractor and vendor buyout following project award, if required.

- Reconcile the final estimate against subcontractor commitments and identify variances.

- Participate in project turnover/handoff meetings.

- Track awarded projects against original estimates and incorporate lessons learned into future estimating.

Estimating Systems & Process Improvement

- Maintain and update pricing databases and cost history records through ProEst, and other estimating tools.

- Create and champion estimating standard operating procedures.

- Drive process improvements in estimating methods, technology, cost tracking, and preconstruction workflows.

- Support ongoing development of CORE Builders’ estimating database and multifamily cost benchmarks.

Culture & Development

- Contribute to positive workplace embodying CORE Builders Vision of Success.

- Build and maintain strong relationships both internally and externally.

- In a senior role, provide mentorship and professional development to junior estimators.

- Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes, and apply this knowledge to enhance company operations.

- Actively participate in Professional Organizations and/or industry events and conferences related to role.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

- One (1) to four (4) years of estimating experience for an Estimator role; five (5)+ years of estimating experience for a Senior Estimator role.

- Experience estimating multifamily construction types, including podium, wrap-style, walk-up, garden-style, wood-frame, townhome, volumetric modular, and mixed-use/multifamily developments

- Strong experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, cost estimating, budgeting, and value engineering.

- Working knowledge of construction means, methods, materials, sequencing, and building systems.

- Proficiency in Bluebeam, MS Excel, OnScreen/takeoff software, Buiding Connected, and other estimating software; experience with other construction management and prequalification platforms is a plus.

- Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.

- Ability to manage multiple concurrent estimates and deadlines.

- Understand local building codes and permitting processes.

- Comfortable utilizing construction management software such as MS Project and Procore.

Working Conditions:

- This role requires you to be in the office.

- Travel to various job sites, pre-bid walks, project meetings, and project locations, as requested.

This is an on-site position, SF Bay Area local candidates only. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa currently.

Anticipated Salary Range:

The anticipated salary range for this full-time role is $115,000 – $200,000 per year. Ranges are determined based on the position, geography, client and industry experience and level, and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range reflects base salary only, and not the total compensation package. CORE Builders reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on a candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, including client requirements.

Benefits:

- Medical, Dental and Vision (100% paid for employee coverage, 50% paid for dependents)

- Flexible Spending Accounts

- Retirement Plan (discretionary employer match)

- Paid Time Off (PTO)

- Paid Holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer:

CORE Builders is an equal opportunity employer. CORE Builders shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, domestic partner status, pregnancy, disability, citizenship, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

CORE Builders does not engage with or utilize recruiting or placement agencies for any recruiting or hiring needs unless directly requested by our Director of Human Resources. CORE Builders’ employees and hiring managers are not authorized to review or accept resume referrals from any agencies. Any resumes submitted without a direct, specific, and written request will be considered unsolicited and the property of CORE Builders. The submittal will not be subject to any contract obligations, including fees.