Senior Estimator

Overview:
"Together We Make Life Better". Our quality engineering, sustainable solutions and safety record inspire everything we do. Our diverse and inclusive workforce allows for all employees to feel valued and safe to give their opinions and improve our company.

Tata Consulting Engineers USA, LLC, (TCE), is a multi-disciplinary engineering organization offering a full range of integrated engineering design, project support, procurement and construction management services to the energy and chemicals industries.

Position Summary:
The Senior Estimator – Skilled Trades is a strategic, hands-on leader responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for complex skilled-trade construction projects. This role combines advanced technical estimating expertise with strong business acumen, cross-functional collaboration, and mentorship of junior estimators. The Senior Estimator plays a critical role in supporting profitable growth, risk management, and successful project execution from pre-bid through turnover.

Responsibilities:
Estimating & Preconstruction Leadership

Lead the preparation of detailed, full-scope estimates for skilled-trade projects, including labor, material, equipment, subcontractors, indirect costs, contingencies, escalation, and risk allowances.

Analyze drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to identify scope requirements, constructability challenges, and cost drivers.

Develop conceptual, budgetary, design-assist, and GMP estimates across various project phases.

Establish labor productivity assumptions based on historical data, job conditions, union agreements, and market conditions.

Validate estimates through benchmarking, historical cost analysis, and collaboration with operations and field leadership.

Trade & Technical Expertise

Serve as a subject-matter expert in one or more skilled trades (e.g., mechanical piping, HVAC, plumbing, industrial piping, fabrication, or specialty systems).

Evaluate means and methods, sequencing, prefabrication opportunities, and logistical constraints that impact cost and schedule.

Identify constructability issues and propose cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality or safety.

Bid Strategy & Risk Management

Participate in bid/no-bid reviews and support leadership with strategic pricing recommendations.

Identify project risks and opportunities, quantify exposure, and propose mitigation strategies.

Prepare clear scope narratives, assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications for proposal packages.

Support value engineering initiatives and alternative pricing scenarios.

Collaboration & Communication

Partner closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, Safety, and Finance teams to align estimates with execution plans.

Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors to obtain competitive, compliant pricing and validate scope coverage.

Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and pre-bid walkthroughs as required.

Support smooth handoff from estimating to operations, including estimate reviews and project kickoff meetings.

Qualifications:
Minimum 8–12 years of estimating experience within skilled trades construction.

Proven experience estimating large-scale, complex projects with significant labor components.

Technical Skills

Advanced proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Trimble, Accubid, Autobid, Sage Estimating, or similar).

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract language.

Familiarity with union and non-union labor environments, as applicable.

Leadership & Business Acumen

analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Ability to balance competitiveness with margin protection and risk awareness.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of presenting estimates to executive leadership and clients.

High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

Core Competencies

Cost Accuracy & Attention to Detail.

Strategic Thinking & Risk Assessment.

Trade Knowledge & Constructability.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership.

Mentorship & Knowledge