Design-Phase & Budget Estimator (DBE)

Design-Phase & Budget Estimator (DBE) Headquartered in Orange, CA, BAPKO Metal Inc. is one of California's most reputable and trusted self-performing contractors specializing in structural steel, miscellaneous steel, architectural metals, and stairs. Our quality craftsmanship can be found in the steel structures supporting a diverse range of projects, and in the architectural details enhancing commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities across California. The purpose of this position is to prepare conceptual and design-phase budgets while developing the technical foundation needed to progress into independent project estimating. This role supports early customer opportunities, organizes budget information from incomplete design documents, and learns how design decisions affect fabrication and installation costs. Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Prepare conceptual and design-phase budgets using incomplete architectural, structural, civil, landscape, and specification information. Perform quantity takeoffs and apply historical costs, unit costs, budget pricing, and comparable projects to develop preliminary pricing. Document budget assumptions, allowances, inclusions, exclusions, and unresolved information clearly. Track quantity, scope, and cost changes as designs progress from concept toward bid documents. Identify major cost drivers and elevate unusual fabrication, installation, logistics, finish, detailing, or schedule conditions for senior review. Obtain preliminary supplier, vendor, and subcontractor pricing when needed to support budget development. Maintain historical budget information and compare earlier budgets to later estimates and project results when available. Develop proficiency with Bluebeam, Excel, TEKLA/EPM, company estimating systems, and BAPKO estimating procedures. Build working knowledge of material, fabrication, field installation, detailing, equipment, logistics, buyouts, and scope risk. Progress toward Estimator I by preparing and explaining a complete simple estimate with appropriate review. Facilitate executive level introductions with design teams, customers and industry leaders. Adhere to BAPKO estimating guidelines, procedures, practices and other duties as assigned. Preferred education, experience, qualifications and other requirements: Associate or bachelor's degree in architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred. Ability or demonstrated aptitude to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications. Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and communication skills. Attention to detail and ability to document assumptions clearly when design information is incomplete. Computer proficiency including: Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, Bluebeam, and TEKLA/EPM or comparable estimating systems. Construction, detailing, fabrication, field, or estimating exposure is helpful but not required. Preferred 2 years' experience within the industry.