Estimator

Estimator (Houston, Texas)

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Exterior and Interior Glazing Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for commercial glazing projects. This position is responsible for reviewing architectural drawings, specifications, and bid documents; performing material and labor takeoffs; obtaining vendor and subcontractor pricing; and preparing detailed proposals for exterior and interior glazing systems.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of commercial glazing systems, construction methods, materials, labor requirements, and project costs, with the ability to identify scope gaps, evaluate project risks, and meet bid deadlines.

Key Responsibilities1. Estimating and Quantity Takeoffs

• Review architectural, structural, and shop drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid documents.
• Perform detailed material and quantity takeoffs for exterior and interior glazing systems.
• Prepare estimates for curtain wall, storefront, window wall, architectural windows, aluminum entrances, and commercial door systems.
• Estimate interior glass partitions, office fronts, glass doors, conference room glazing, glass railings, mirrors, and other specialty glazing systems.
• Calculate material quantities, glass sizes, aluminum framing, hardware, sealants, accessories, and installation requirements.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, freight, fabrication, and installation cost estimates.
• Identify design discrepancies, missing information, scope gaps, and potential change-order items.

2. Bid Preparation and Proposal Development

• Prepare detailed estimates, bid summaries, and formal proposals.
• Establish project pricing based on material costs, labor rates, equipment, overhead, and profit margins.
• Review bid invitations and determine project scope, schedule, and submission requirements.
• Prepare bid qualifications, exclusions, clarifications, and alternates.
• Ensure estimates are complete, accurate, and submitted by established deadlines.
• Maintain organized estimating files, quantity takeoffs, vendor quotations, and historical cost data.

3. Vendor and Supplier Coordination

• Request and review quotations from glass manufacturers, aluminum suppliers, hardware vendors, and specialty glazing suppliers.
• Compare supplier pricing, lead times, product availability, and technical requirements.
• Verify that proposed materials comply with project specifications and performance requirements.
• Coordinate with manufacturers and vendors to identify cost-effective system options and approved alternatives.
• Track material price changes and update estimates as necessary.

4. Technical Review and Value Engineering

• Review glazing specifications for glass types, thicknesses, coatings, thermal performance, acoustic requirements, and safety glazing requirements.
• Evaluate curtain wall and storefront systems, including thermal breaks, framing configurations, anchors, and perimeter conditions.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering without compromising design intent, performance, or applicable code requirements.
• Coordinate with architects, general contractors, engineers, manufacturers, and internal project teams to resolve technical questions.
• Prepare requests for information (RFIs) and document assumptions where bid information is incomplete.

5. Project Handoff and Coordination

• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project scope reviews as required.
• Coordinate with project managers, purchasing personnel, and field operations during project handoff.
• Communicate estimate assumptions, labor hours, material quantities, project risks, and exclusions.
• Assist with budget updates, change-order pricing, and revised estimates.
• Review awarded project costs against the original estimate to support continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in commercial glazing estimating, preferably involving both exterior and interior glazing systems.
• Strong knowledge of curtain wall, storefront, window wall, aluminum framing, glass entrances, and interior glass systems.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, construction documents, specifications, and shop drawings.
• Experience performing material takeoffs, labor calculations, and detailed cost estimates.
• Knowledge of glass types, aluminum systems, glazing hardware, sealants, and installation methods.
• Familiarity with commercial construction bidding procedures and general contractor requirements.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and meet strict deadlines.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Excel, and digital takeoff tools.
• Experience with estimating software such as PlanSwift, OST, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and BIM drawings is a plus.
• Understanding of applicable building codes, safety glazing requirements, energy codes, and project specifications.
• Experience working with glass fabricators, aluminum system manufacturers, and commercial general contractors.

Key Performance Expectations

• Accurate and complete estimates submitted on time.
• Competitive pricing aligned with company estimating standards.
• Thorough identification of scope gaps, exclusions, and project risks.
• Effective coordination with suppliers, general contractors, and internal teams.
• Clear documentation and smooth handoff of awarded projects to project management.
• Continuous improvement in estimating accuracy based on actual project costs.

Work Environment

This position primarily involves office-based estimating and preconstruction activities, with occasional jobsite visits, pre-bid meetings, and coordination with project teams. The role requires the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven commercial construction environment.

Compensation

Competitive compensation based on experience, qualifications, and technical expertise, with benefits and additional incentives offered in accordance with company policy.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.Why Admiral Glass Company?

We believe that where you work matters and doing what you enjoy is important. We are looking for highly motivated people with innovative ideas to be a part of our team. Our current benefits package includes:

• Medical Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance ($10,000 – policy paid for by company)
• Aflac (Group Hospital Enhancement, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, & Short-Term Disability Insurance)
• 401(k) Plan
• Company Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off Benefits

We maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace. All applicants offered a position will be required to take and pass an offsite pre-employment drug test and submit to a criminal background check. (A conviction does not automatically bar you from employment. Criminal background checks will be considered on a case by case basis.)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What salary rate are you seeking?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Construction estimating: 1 year (Required)
• glass and glazing industry: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person