Project Cost Estimator

Location: Boise, ID
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $80,000–$105,000
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Travel: No regular travel required

About the Opportunity

Our client is a leading U.S. manufacturer of wood-framed modular buildings, specializing in multi-family housing, multi-story apartments and hotels, industrial workforce housing, and light commercial projects.

The company designs and manufactures custom modular buildings to meet local building codes, client specifications, and architectural requirements. With projects throughout the Western United States and Canada, they are seeking a Project Cost Estimator to join their Boise-based team.

Position Summary

The Project Cost Estimator will develop and maintain accurate construction cost estimates throughout the project lifecycle. This position plays an important role in project planning and execution by analyzing project documents, preparing conceptual and detailed estimates, monitoring actual project costs, and conducting cost variance analysis.

The Estimator will also contribute to construction contract documentation, estimating process improvements, cost management practices, and initiatives designed to improve operational efficiency and project profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Review architectural drawings, specifications, and project documents to develop a thorough understanding of project scope, requirements, and constructability.
• Prepare detailed project estimates and cost models using established procedures and estimating software.
• Develop conceptual estimates and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing for proposed projects and early-stage opportunities.
• Analyze labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and overhead costs to develop accurate and competitive estimates.
• Maintain project document control, including drawings, revisions, specifications, and bid documents.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Business Development, Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor and compile actual production and project costs and compare results against original estimates and budgets.
• Perform cost variance analysis and prepare reports identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate estimating assumptions, historical data, and production costs to maintain accurate pricing models and estimating standards.
• Assist with maintaining estimating databases, cost libraries, and standardized estimating procedures.
• Support value engineering initiatives and recommend opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency, and constructability.
• Participate in bid reviews, project handoffs, and post-project evaluations to identify lessons learned and improve future estimating accuracy.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with clients, architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Ensure project documentation, cost data, and estimating records are accurately maintained in accordance with company standards.
• Identify and contribute to opportunities for process improvement across estimating systems, procedures, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Accounting, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience developing conceptual through detailed construction cost estimates.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with construction estimating and project management software is preferred.
• Experience working effectively in a team environment and building strong relationships with clients, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and vendors.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a high degree of professionalism.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision.
• Strong learning agility and ability to quickly master new software and systems.
• Ability to work on-site during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Physical & Work Environment

• Regularly required to sit, stand, talk, hear, see, use hands and fingers to operate a computer, and reach, stoop, or kneel.
• Ability to perform light to moderate lifting.
• Comfortable working in a shared-space environment with moderate office noise.
• Primarily office-based with no regular travel requirements.

Benefits

• Weekly direct deposit
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Medical insurance
• Dental and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• No regular travel required
• Recognition and teamwork-focused culture
• Safety-first work environment
• Opportunities for career growth

Additional Information

Candidates must be currently authorized to work full-time in the United States. Employment is contingent upon successfully completing applicable pre-employment screening, including a drug screen and background check.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, or local law.