Senior & Lead Structural Steel Estimator

Reports to: President, Head of Sales & Estimating

Environment: In our Belmont, NC office, working with Trimble PowerFab estimating software. Steel Specialty is a quickly growing 2nd generation Steel Fabrication company with a strong culture—collaborative, family‑friendly, professional & personable. 50+ years ago, we started as a Miscellaneous Steel Fabricator and later added Structural Steel to our wheelhouse. We manage jobs for our customers in Healthcare, Commercial, Industrial, Higher Education, etc.

We are proud of our long‑standing reputation for craftsmanship, reliability, and integrity. We are committed to creating an excellent workplace, supporting the growth & success of our employees and partners, and delivering high‑value, on‑time solutions to our customers.

What you will do:

• Review & validate estimates prepared by junior estimators; provide constructive feedback & guidance to improve accuracy & efficiency.
• Issue & track RFI’s to General Contractors; ensure all responses are integrated into final pricing.
• Collect, level, and compare vendor, subcontractor, and supplier quotes for accuracy & completeness.
• Analyze company data, monitor budgets & prices using software packages.
• Identify labor, material, costs and time requirements by researching proposals, blueprints, and related documents.
• Prepare detailed cost estimate reports & present job Recaps & bid summaries to Estimating Manager / President when requested.
• Some travel within 60 miles of office – no overnight travel.

Who you are:

• Responsive teammate & communicator with a positive attitude.
• Cross collaborator with GC’s, subs, and leadership.
• Analytically minded and high attention to detail.
• Time management expert. Strategic thinker & planner. Strong problem solver.

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field OR equivalent experience in construction/steel estimating.
• 8+ years of experience estimating structural / miscellaneous steel (Medical, Commercial, Industrial, Higher Education projects preferred).
• Strong knowledge of structural steel design, fabrication, and erection process, AISC codes, and AWS welding standards.
• Experience soliciting & leveling vendor / subcontractor quotes & preparing complete cost estimate reports.
• Hands‑on RFI’s, scope reviews, and budget monitoring within estimating software.

What’s nice to have:

• Proficiency in Trimble PowerFab estimating software or equivalent.
• Rigorous with risk assessment and cost validation.
• Experience mentoring, training, or leading junior / entry level Estimators.

What you’ll gain:

• Be a part of a team that is highly emotionally intelligent and expanding quickly, with a passion for high quality service and family friendly culture.
• Base salary negotiations depend on experience & will be discussed during your first phone interview.
• Annual end of year bonus.
• 401k retirement fund with company matching.
• Access to health, dental, vision, and ancillary insurance.
• Employer paid medical premiums.
• Paid Vacation.
• Opportunity to grow internally—ask us about your growth path with Steel Specialty!