Construction Estimating Intern

Walnut, California ｜ Hybrid ｜Internship | $20-$25 per hour

Build practical estimating experience on real construction projects. Sunny Unite is looking for a

Construction Estimating Intern to support commercial, retail, and design-build work. You will work with

project managers and cross-functional teams while learning how costs are developed, reviewed, and

managed throughout a project.

What You'll Work On

• Review drawings and specifications; assist with quantity takeoffs, quantity rechecks, and preliminary material and labor estimates.
• Organize bid packages, gather vendor and subcontractor quotes, and compare trade scopes and pricing, including cost impacts of mall, landlord, and project requirements.
• Organize and archive cost ledgers, budgets, quotation files, and estimating data; collect and check purchase orders and supplier quotes for estimating, design, construction, and procurement teams.
• Collect and track Certificates of Insurance (COIs), W-9 forms, contractor licenses, and lien releases; assemble cost packages for final project accounting, closeout, and handover.
• Assist with change-order cost calculations and cost information for submittals and requests for information (RFIs).
• Call and email contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to verify quotations and itemized costs; update contact records, follow up on open items, and support working relationships.
• Report progress, data discrepancies, and potential cost risks promptly to the project accounting manager, project coordination manager, and project team.
• Participate in live-project budgeting, pricing inquiries, cost tracking, and cost reviews under project andcost managers' guidance.

What You Bring

• Current college or university enrollment; pursuing a bachelor's degree in estimating, architecture, construction management, accounting, engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• A strong interest in estimating and cost control, and in building a long-term design-build career. No prior professional estimating experience is required.
• Ability to complete assigned core internship tasks independently, accurately, and to a high standard after instruction, with guidance when needed.
• Ability to prioritize estimating support and cost records across multiple projects and trades, manage time, be punctual, and meet data and document deadlines.
• Strong written English with accurate grammar and spelling for quotations, spreadsheets, and documentation; good verbal and interpersonal skills, coordination, and professional phone etiquette.
• An organized, dependable, collaborative approach; logical thinking, accountability, attention to detail, comfort with numbers and Excel, and effective communication with subcontractors and diverse project teams.
• Bluebeam, Procore, or other construction estimating/project management software exposure is a plus, not a requirement.

Why This Role

Gain a practical view of how estimates move from plans and subcontractor quotes into construction

budgets, procurement decisions, cost tracking, and closeout. Contribute to real project work with guidance from experienced team members.

Sunny Unite is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations are available as needed for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.