Entry Level Programmer Jobs in Wallingford, CT (NOW HIRING)

With over 40 years in business, we know a thing or two about selling ourselves—but we'd rather let our people, our craftsmanship, and our reputation do the talking.

For more than four decades, Connecticut Carpentry Group has delivered superior craftsmanship that meets real needs and transforms everyday spaces. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and precision drives everything we do, from concept to completion. We take pride in creating purposeful solutions that stand the test of time while making a lasting, positive impact for our customers, partners, and employees.

If you're looking to join a team that values craftsmanship, collaboration, and continuous growth, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Summary

The Entry-Level Estimator is responsible for supporting the estimating department by preparing quantity takeoffs, organizing project documents, soliciting vendor pricing, assisting with bid preparation, and maintaining accurate project records.

This position is designed as the foundation for a long-term career within Connecticut Carpentry Group. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, eager to learn, and motivated to develop a strong understanding of commercial millwork, construction documents, pricing, and project execution.

No previous estimating experience is required. We provide hands-on training for individuals with strong organizational skills, mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn. As knowledge and experience grow, employees will take on greater responsibility while becoming more involved in the planning and execution of projects.

Primary Responsibilities

Project Review

• Review project drawings and specifications.
• Download and organize bid documents.
• Maintain drawing revisions and addenda.
• Identify architectural millwork scope.
• Assist in reviewing bid invitations.

Quantity Takeoffs

• Measure cabinetry, countertops, wall panels, trim, shelving, casework, and miscellaneous millwork.
• Count doors, hardware, accessories, and specialty items.
• Verify dimensions using construction drawings.

Estimating Support

• Assist in preparing project estimates.
• Enter quantities into estimating software and spreadsheets.
• Build preliminary material lists.
• Organize supplier quotations.
• Track pricing updates.

Vendor Coordination

• Request pricing from suppliers.
• Follow up on outstanding quotes.
• Maintain vendor contact information.
• Compare supplier pricing.

Bid Administration

• Maintain bid logs.
• Track bid due dates.
• Organize proposal folders.
• Prepare proposal packages.
• Assist with bid submissions.

Documentation

• Maintain digital project files.
• Track RFIs.
• Organize revisions.
• Save customer correspondence.
• Maintain estimate history.

Daily Responsibilities

• Review new invitations to bid.
• Download project documents.
• Organize plans and specifications.
• Perform quantity takeoffs.
• Contact vendors.
• Update bid tracking spreadsheets.
• Prepare proposal documents.
• Assist senior estimators.
• Attend estimating meetings.
• Support project handoffs.

Skills Required

• Strong attention to detail
• Basic math skills
• Good written communication
• Organization
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Ability to read measurements
• Computer proficiency
• Willingness to learn
• Positive attitude

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Construction experience preferred but not required
• Blueprint reading experience is helpful
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Ability to learn estimating software
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Software You'll Learn

• Maestro – cabinet vision
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Google Workspace
• Company estimating software
• PDF mark-up software

Training & Development Roadmap

Phase 1 (First 90 Days)

Learn:

• Company products
• Project types
• Drawing organization
• Filing systems
• Bid tracking
• Vendor contacts
• Material identification
• Basic quantity takeoffs

Goal:
Become proficient at organizing bid documents and completing simple takeoffs with supervision.

Phase 2 (3–6 Months)

Learn:

• Reading architectural drawings
• Reviewing specifications
• Material pricing
• Hardware schedules
• Countertop estimating
• Cabinet estimating
• Proposal preparation

Goal:
Complete portions of estimates independently while supporting senior estimators.

Phase 3 (6–12 Months)

Learn:

• Labor calculations
• Production assumptions
• Material optimization
• Vendor negotiations
• Scope review
• Value engineering
• Customer communication

Goal:
Prepare complete estimates for smaller projects with minimal supervision.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Accuracy of quantity takeoffs
• Organization of project files
• On-time completion of assigned tasks
• Responsiveness to project deadlines
• Attention to detail
• Ability to learn estimating procedures
• Team collaboration
• Reliability and accountability

Connecticut Carpentry Group Core Expectations

Every team member is expected to:

• Put safety first.
• Communicate professionally.
• Take ownership of assigned work.
• Be accountable for deadlines.
• Maintain organized project documentation.
• Support fellow team members.
• Look for continuous improvement.
• Represent Connecticut Carpentry Group professionally with customers and vendors.

Growth & Development Opportunities

At Connecticut Carpentry Group, we believe the best Project Managers begin by understanding how projects are built from the ground up. The Entry-Level Estimator position provides that foundation by exposing employees to every stage of the preconstruction process.

As skills develop and performance demonstrates readiness, employees will have opportunities to expand into responsibilities such as:

• Reviewing project drawings and specifications independently.
• Developing complete project estimates with increasing accuracy.
• Building detailed scopes of work and identifying project risks.
• Coordinating with vendors, subcontractors, architects, and general contractors.
• Participating in project handoff meetings between estimating and production.
• Assisting with scheduling, procurement, and material planning.
• Supporting project budgeting and cost tracking.
• Managing project documentation, RFIs, submittals, and change orders.
• Developing customer relationships through clear and professional communication.
• Collaborating with shop personnel and field installers to ensure project success.
• Learning production workflows, installation sequencing, and scheduling strategies.
• Identifying opportunities to improve estimating accuracy and operational efficiency.

Over time, employees who demonstrate strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities may transition into a Project Management role. In that capacity, they will oversee projects from award through completion, coordinating internal teams, customers, vendors, and field personnel to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to Connecticut Carpentry Group's quality standards.

Our goal is to develop well-rounded construction professionals who understand not only how to estimate a project, but also how to successfully execute it from start to finish.

Why Join Connecticut Carpentry Group?

At Connecticut Carpentry Group, we believe estimating is more than just numbers—it's where every successful project begins. As an Entry-Level Estimator, you'll receive hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to every phase of the commercial millwork process. You'll work alongside experienced professionals while building a career with opportunities to grow into estimating leadership, project management, or business development.

If you're motivated, organized, and eager to learn, we'll invest in your development and help you build a rewarding career in the construction industry.