Junior Estimator

Recently ranked as a best U.S. construction workplace by Fortune Magazine, MLJ Contracting is driven by passion and built on trust. When you work at MLJ, you work for a company that values your well-being, your talent, and your career aspirations. If you are looking for a fulfilling career, come join our family and turn big ideas into even bigger realities.

As a premier general contractor in the heavy construction market, MLJ Contracting successfully performs major public works projects for client agencies across the New York city area. Proud of our quality workmanship and engaging projects, we always maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Want to build a career that stands the test of time? Join MLJ and lay the foundation for a better future.

The Junior Estimator works both independently and collaboratively with executive management and project teams to estimate project costs for firm fixed-price bids, proposals, and change orders. The Junior Estimator leverages field experience, industry knowledge, and solid analytical skills to prepare accurate quantity take-offs. Fundamental to this role is the ability to make sound assumptions and identify gaps in construction documents.

• College degree in Engineering, Construction Management or other related field (or equivalent years’ experience).                                            

• →Document Analysis: Conduct thorough reviews of architectural and engineering drawings and specifications to verify that all required bidding information is present.
• →Quantity Take-Offs: Perform accurate quantity take-offs for select trades by analyzing project plans and specifications to support detailed cost estimates.
• →Product Research: Research specified materials and products from a cost, availability, and constructability perspective.
• →Subcontractor Outreach: Solicit subcontractor pricing and bids across various trades, assisting in the management of the subcontractor Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
• →Bid Leveling: Review, qualify, and level subcontractor proposals to ensure alignment with project specifications and scope requirements.
• →Scope Preparation: Assist in itemizing trade-specific scopes of work and compiling comprehensive bid packages.
• →Constructability & Value Engineering: Review progress documents for constructability issues, participate in discussions regarding alternative materials or details, and help price value engineering options.
• →Scheduling & Production: Assist in preparing estimating production rates and preliminary project schedules for internal and client presentations.
• →Stakeholder Communication: Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, and local jurisdictions to gather information on project objectives, permitting, and site constraints.
• →Administrative Coordination: Coordinate with administrative staff to ensure timely distribution of bid documents and addenda to vendors and subcontractors.
• →Confidentiality & Ad-Hoc Duties: Always maintain strict discretion and confidentiality regarding pricing and proprietary data and perform other duties as assigned.

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of construction estimating experience.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of electrical construction, including signal systems.
• Software Proficiency: High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and Outlook); familiarity with HCSS HeavyBid estimating software and Primavera P6 is a plus.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with subcontractors, clients, and internal teams.
• Collaboration & Initiative: Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate effectively with estimating colleagues as a dedicated team player.
• Time Management: Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet critical project deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

* This position is in-person Monday - Friday.

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