Prefab Estimation Engineer

Key Responsibilities

1. Estimation & Costing

• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for Prefab and Modular Building projects based on drawings, specifications, BOQs, scope of work, and project requirements.
• Conduct detailed Quantity Take-Off (QTO) for structural, architectural, finishing, MEP, and other project components.
• Analyze project requirements, design complexity, materials, labor, manufacturing, transportation, installation, site works, and other associated costs.
• Prepare detailed cost breakdowns covering materials, labor, subcontractors, equipment, logistics, overheads, and other project-related costs.
• Obtain, evaluate, and compare quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Maintain an updated database of material costs, supplier rates, subcontractor rates, labor rates, and market prices.
• Review historical project costs and market trends to improve the accuracy and competitiveness of future estimates.

2. Prefab & Modular Building Expertise

• Develop estimates for modular building components including, where applicable:

  • Steel and structural systems
  • Sandwich panels and cladding
  • Roofing systems
  • Doors and windows
  • Flooring and ceiling systems
  • Internal and external finishes
  • Electrical systems
  • Plumbing and sanitary works
  • HVAC systems
  • Fire protection systems
  • Fixtures, fittings, and other modular building components

• Understand the relationship between factory manufacturing costs, transportation, erection/installation, site works, and final project costs.

• Review proposed construction methods and product selections from a cost and buildability perspective.

• Identify opportunities to optimize modular design, materials, manufacturing methods, and installation processes.

3. Tendering & Commercial Activities

• Review tender documents, drawings, specifications, BOQs, commercial conditions, and contract requirements.
• Identify discrepancies, exclusions, assumptions, risks, and commercial exposures in tender documents.
• Prepare and submit RFQs to suppliers and subcontractors and follow up on commercial quotations.
• Prepare Commercial and Technical Compliance/Response Schedules required for tender submissions.
• Raise RFIs (Requests for Information) to clarify technical, commercial, and contractual requirements.
• Prepare tender clarifications, qualifications, exclusions, assumptions, and commercial notes.
• Conduct tender comparison and analysis and recommend suitable suppliers/subcontractors.
• Support commercial negotiations with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Prepare tender presentations for Senior Management, including cost analysis, pricing strategy, risk analysis, exclusions, assumptions, and commercial recommendations.

4. Budgeting & Value Engineering

• Develop project budgets based on approved estimates and project requirements.
• Monitor project costs against approved budgets and identify potential cost overruns.
• Conduct Value Engineering exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality, functionality, safety, or project requirements.
• Evaluate alternative materials, suppliers, systems, and construction methods from both technical and commercial perspectives.
• Provide recommendations to Engineering and Project Management teams regarding cost-effective solutions.

5. Post-Award Commercial & Cost Control

• Support the project team in monitoring project costs against the approved budget.
• Review procurement commitments, subcontractor costs, material costs, and project expenditures.
• Prepare and evaluate Variations, Change Orders, and Additional Works.
• Assess the cost impact of design changes, scope changes, material substitutions, and site instructions.
• Prepare and support Progress Valuations / Payment Applications in coordination with the Project Manager and QS team.
• Identify and report cost and program implications to the Project Manager and relevant stakeholders.
• Assist in maintaining accurate project cost reports and commercial records.

6. Fit-Out & Project Support

• Support the project team during the fit-out and finishing stages to ensure works remain within the approved budget and project schedule.
• Review drawings and specifications related to fit-out and finishing works.
• Assess buildability, material selection, and alternative solutions from a cost and technical perspective.
• Coordinate with Design, Procurement, Production, Site, and Project teams regarding cost implications of technical decisions and changes.
• Attend site meetings and coordinate with subcontractors when required to monitor progress and identify commercial or cost-related issues.
• Ensure the Project Manager is updated regarding any potential cost, scope, or program impacts.

7. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive records of:

  • Estimates
  • BOQs and quantity take-offs
  • Supplier/subcontractor quotations
  • Rate analysis
  • Tender submissions
  • Commercial evaluations
  • Variations
  • Cost reports
  • Progress valuations
  • Assumptions and exclusions
  • RFIs and tender clarifications

• Prepare regular estimation and commercial reports for management.

• Ensure all estimating and commercial documentation is properly organized, accurate, and traceable.

Desired Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related engineering/construction discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in the UAE in estimation, tendering, costing, and commercial activities.
• Strong and proven experience in Prefab, Modular Buildings, Portable Buildings, or Off-Site Construction is mandatory/preferred.
• Experience in estimating complete modular projects from design/tender stage through execution and final commercial close-out.
• Strong knowledge of UAE construction market rates, suppliers, subcontractors, and material pricing.
• Experience in BOQ preparation, Quantity Take-Off, Rate Analysis, Tendering, Cost Control, Variations, and Progress Valuation.
• Strong understanding of architectural, structural, MEP, fit-out, and finishing works related to prefab/modular buildings.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and estimation/costing software.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, BOQs, and contractual documents.
• Knowledge of UAE construction standards, applicable building regulations, and industry practices.
• Strong analytical, numerical, and commercial skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, coordination, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively under pressure and meet tight tender deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tenders/projects simultaneously.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Prefab/Modular manufacturing and factory-based production costing.
• Experience in large-scale modular building projects, camps, accommodation units, offices, schools, hospitals, or similar projects.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and integration between estimation, procurement, production, inventory, and project costing.
• Experience with estimating software, ERP-based costing systems, and advanced MS Excel.
• UAE driving license is an advantage.

Key Competencies

• Estimation & Costing
• Quantity Take-Off
• BOQ & Rate Analysis
• Tendering & Bid Management
• Prefab & Modular Construction
• Commercial Management
• Value Engineering
• Cost Control
• Variations & Claims
• Supplier/Subcontractor Evaluation
• Contract & Tender Review
• Financial & Commercial Analysis
• Project Coordination
• Risk Analysis
• Negotiation
• Advanced MS Excel