Estimator I

Company Overview

At Pioneer, you're more than an employee, you’re an owner. As a 100% employee-owned company, everyone shares our success through our ESOP retirement plan. We specialize in custom unitized curtain wall systems and are known for our innovative designs, award-winning technology, and commitment to quality. With offices across the Midwest and East Coast, we’re growing—and so can your career.

Pioneer provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, critical illness, and accident coverage. The company also offers employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. Committed to supporting work-life balance, Pioneer offers flexible work schedules to help employees thrive both professionally and personally.

Join a team that values your voice, invests in your future, and celebrates your success.

Job Summary

The Estimator I plays a key role in supporting Sales and the Estimating Department by assisting in the development of labor and material estimates for custom unitized curtain wall projects. This position focuses on reviewing project documentation, performing accurate takeoffs, gathering and organizing vendor pricing, and applying established estimating standards under the guidance of Estimator II and Senior Estimators. Strong communication skills are essential, as the Estimator I works closely with internal teams and vendors to gather and organize information. The Estimator I reports to and works directly with the Estimating Manager on a day-to-day basis.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Scope Analysis

• Review architectural specifications and engineering documents to fully understand project requirements.
• Identify and document any custom or unique project elements unfamiliar to Pioneer and escalate questions to Estimator II or Sr. Estimator.
• Collaborate with internal teams to determine efficient, cost-effective solutions.
• Obtain quotes from vendors and perform initial comparison to project documents.
• Perform takeoffs and identify scope items from project documents.

Labor Estimation

• Accurately estimate labor costs for Design Assist, Shop, Engineering, Field, and Project Management teams.
• Utilize historical data, estimating standards and direction from Estimator II or Sr. Estimator to support labor calculations.

Material Estimation

• Determine precise quantities and specifications for materials such as extrusions, dies, and finishes.
• Solicit and track vendor bids to ensure alignment with project specifications.
• Compare vendor quotes for completeness and alignment with project scope and document findings for review by Estimator II or Senior Estimator.

Problem Solving

• Partner with internal teams to develop and learn innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Maintain professional vendor and team relationships and escalate issues as needed.
• Participate in value engineering discussions and price throughout the bidding process. Learn to think creatively and identify potential cost drivers in the project.

Project Handoff

• Come prepared with Estimator Il and Sr. Estimator for project turnover meetings with documents based on the agenda
• Support teams in interpreting project details and requirements.
• Participate in bid/project postmortem to understand proper documentation and support continuous improvement.

Work Management

• Be accurate, consistent and reliable.
• Prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Adhere to established work processes and continuously improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Gather and organize data to supply estimating team to make timely, informed decisions and communicate clearly with all stakeholders.
• Propose creative, relevant solutions to project challenges.
• Communicate clearly with Estimator II and Senior Estimators.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Applied Science or a related technical field preferred.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in estimating or a related role.
• Familiarity with basic engineering and architectural principles with preferred ability in reading and interpreting drawings and specs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness to travel up to 5%.