Job Title: Chief Estimator Job DescriptionThis Chief Estimator / Construction Estimator role focuses on delivering accurate, competitive cost estimates for complex vertical construction projects, with a strong emphasis on clean room, healthcare, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, laboratory, and commercial facilities. The position requires deep knowledge of construction methods and regulated environments, along with the ability to manage projects from initial purchase order through completion. You will collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, architects, subcontractors, and clients to ensure that all cost, schedule, and constructability factors are fully captured and that projects are executed in line with quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

Analyze project plans, specifications, and related documentation to prepare detailed, comprehensive cost estimates for vertical construction projects.
Prepare quantity take-offs and cost breakdowns for all construction divisions using CSI format and appropriate estimating tools.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing and reliable proposals.
Evaluate constructability, logistics, and schedule impacts and incorporate these considerations into estimates and pricing strategies.
Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client presentations to clarify scope, validate assumptions, and represent the estimating function.
Collaborate with project teams to transition approved estimates into project budgets and provide ongoing support for project execution.
Maintain and update historical cost data, benchmarking tools, and unit pricing to improve accuracy and efficiency of future estimates.
Identify and assess risks and opportunities within project scopes, advising on contingency, value engineering options, and alternative solutions.
Ensure estimates and project plans comply with applicable building codes, industry standards, and client-specific requirements, particularly in regulated environments.
Manage multiple estimates and bidding deadlines simultaneously, prioritizing workload and maintaining high attention to detail.
Lead or support cost analysis, budgeting, and pricing efforts for projects ranging from $500,000 to $20 million, with a focus on $35 million clean room and high-performance facilities.
Prepare and review change orders, RFIs, submittals, and take-offs to ensure accurate financial tracking and alignment with contract documents.
Use scheduling tools to develop, review, and refine project schedules, emphasizing coordination of critical path activities.
Provide operational project management within a medium-sized team, coordinating with the executive team and subcontractors throughout the construction process.
Maintain regular communication with clients during construction to address questions, manage expectations, and support successful project delivery.
Monitor project financial performance, including cost control and settlement of projects, ensuring alignment with budgets and contractual obligations.
Supervise and guide field and executive staff so they are qualified and prepared to perform their work, including leading safety and toolbox meetings as needed.
Plan and coordinate work for assigned projects so that execution meets defined quality criteria, schedule requirements, and safety standards.
Take responsibility for the entire implementation process, from work preparation and purchase order through construction, commissioning, and final delivery.
Support and promote safety practices on all projects, ensuring that estimating, planning, and execution activities reflect strong safety considerations.

Essential Skills

5+ years of experience in construction estimating, preferably within healthcare, pharmaceutical, clean room, or similar regulated environments.
710+ years of experience working on high-end clean room, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor projects.
Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, building codes, and industry best practices for vertical construction.
Hands-on experience with commercial construction, including ground-up builds, office fit-outs, and renovations.
Proficiency with estimating software and digital tools such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Sage Estimating, ProEst, or similar platforms.
Proficiency with project management and scheduling software, including MS Project, Procore, and Sage.
Demonstrated experience with change orders, RFIs, submittals, and detailed quantity take-offs.
Proven ability to perform cost analysis, bidding, budgeting, and pricing for projects in the $500,000 to $20 million range.
Experience working in general contractor or construction management environments, coordinating multiple stakeholders.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple estimates, projects, and deadlines simultaneously.
Clear and effective communication skills for collaboration with internal teams, subcontractors, and clients.
Experience in construction project management and project coordination in healthcare, manufacturing, or clean room settings.
Demonstrated emphasis on scheduling and the ability to integrate schedule considerations into estimates and project plans.
Commitment to safety and familiarity with safety practices in construction estimating and project execution.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Experience estimating and managing projects for hospital renovations, biotech laboratories, clean rooms, and commercial office spaces.
Working knowledge of MEP systems and their impact on cost, constructability, and project scheduling.
Familiarity with LEED, GMP, and other regulatory or sustainability standards relevant to healthcare, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing facilities.
Experience with design-build and CM-at-Risk project delivery methods and their implications for estimating and risk management.
Background in construction management and construction project management, including operational oversight of project teams.
Experience with healthcare, manufacturing, semiconductor, and biopharma projects, particularly in regulated environments.
PMP certification or equivalent project management credential.
Strong understanding of cost analysis methodologies, value engineering, and risk assessment in complex construction projects.
Ability to take a project from purchase order through completion, including estimating, planning, execution support, and final delivery.
Interest in ongoing professional development and willingness to participate in training to enhance technical and managerial skills.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Brookfield, CT.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $200000.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Brookfield,CT.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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 [email protected] 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.

Chief Estimator @ Actalent

About this role