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Estimating Assistant Jobs in Encinitas, CA (NOW HIRING)

... estimating team. * Attends project site pre-bid meetings, site tours, and post-bid interviews as required. * Accurately assesses and plans takeoff workload. * Assist in the process of gathering ...

... estimating team. * Attends project site pre-bid meetings, site tours, and post-bid interviews as required. * Accurately assesses and plans takeoff workload. * Assist in the process of gathering ...

Actively supports the achievement of Estimating function's goals and objectives. Shares knowledge ... Identifies, and acts upon, potential lines of business and new client prospects to assist with ...

... estimating software * Support design-assist and design-build efforts by working with engineers to meet budget targets * Coordinate with project management and CAD detailing teams during ...

Mentor, guide and train estimating staff. * Assist Chief Estimator with B2W maintenance and updates. * Champion continuous improvement initiatives. * Participate in alternative delivery pursuits.

Estimator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Mentor, guide and train estimating staff. * Assist Chief Estimator with B2W maintenance and updates. * Champion continuous improvement initiatives. * Participate in alternative delivery pursuits.

Understand the need and manage or assist Project Management in estimating change orders or other project needs as related to pre-construction functions. * Work independently or with a team when ...

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Estimating Assistant information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an estimating assistant?

To thrive as an Estimating Assistant, strong numerical skills, attention to detail, and a background in construction or business administration are typically required. Familiarity with estimating software such as Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, and project management systems is important, along with basic knowledge of cost databases. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to multitask help distinguish top candidates in this role. These abilities ensure accurate and timely preparation of cost estimates, supporting project success and informed decision-making.

What are some common challenges faced by estimating assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Estimating Assistants often face challenges such as managing tight deadlines, handling multiple project bids simultaneously, and ensuring the accuracy of data collected from various sources. To manage these effectively, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, maintain clear communication with estimators and project managers, and use project management software to track tasks and deadlines. Proactively seeking clarification when project details are unclear and regularly updating documentation can also help minimize errors and streamline the estimating process.

What is the difference between Estimating Assistant vs Cost Estimator?

AspectEstimating AssistantCost Estimator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree, some certificationsBachelor's degree often preferred, certifications like AACE
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, supporting estimation teamsOffice or on-site, preparing detailed cost analyses
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, engineering firmsConstruction, engineering, project management
Primary RoleAssist in preparing estimates, gather dataDevelop detailed cost estimates, analyze project costs

While both roles support project cost planning, an Estimating Assistant primarily assists with data collection and preliminary estimates, whereas a Cost Estimator develops comprehensive cost analyses and detailed estimates for projects.

What does an estimating assistant do?

An estimating assistant supports the estimation process by gathering data, preparing cost estimates, and assisting with bid proposals. They often use software tools like Excel or specialized estimating programs and need strong attention to detail and basic knowledge of construction or manufacturing processes. Their role helps ensure accurate project cost predictions and efficient bidding procedures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Estimating jobs in Encinitas, CA?

The most popular types of Estimating jobs in Encinitas, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Estimating Assistant jobs in Encinitas, CA?

For Estimating Assistant jobs in Encinitas, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Estimating Assistant jobs in Encinitas, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Estimating Assistant jobs in Encinitas, CA are:

What cities near Encinitas, CA are hiring for Estimating Assistant jobs?

Cities near Encinitas, CA with the most Estimating Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Estimating Assistant job openings in Encinitas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Mechanical Estimator

San Diego, CA • On-site


McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
Construction • 1 - 5K employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
This Mechanical Estimator participates in all aspects of the bid/estimating process from review of plans/specs to soliciting and negotiating prices from contractors/suppliers through completion of bid/estimating effort, including closeout. The estimator will perform quantity take-offs, pricing, scoping and bidding of construction projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform quantity take-offs, change order pricing and pricing of mechanical and plumbing estimates
  • Develop and document logical assumptions during conceptual estimating activities, participate in estimate review and assist with final assembly of estimate
  • Solicit subcontractors during the bidding process and organize information post-bid for future reference
  • Track design development, estimate revisions, scope changes, trends, and budget impacts throughout the preconstruction process.
  • Support preparation and response to RFIs, bidder questions, addenda, and design clarifications affecting mechanical scope and pricing.
  • Review subcontractor and vendor proposals for compliance with project documents, owner requirements, design criteria, and applicable codes.
  • Assist with development of procurement strategies, long-lead equipment reviews, equipment budgets, and schedule-related cost impacts.
  • Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, trade partner interviews, and scope alignment meetings.
  • Coordinate mechanical estimate information with BIM and VDC teams to support model-based quantity validation and constructability reviews.
  • Maintain current cost history, subcontractor performance information, and lessons learned for future estimates.
  • Assist with estimating deliverables for owner presentations, interviews, proposals, and pursuit strategy.
  • Support project turnover by clearly communicating estimate basis, subcontractor commitments, procurement assumptions, unresolved scope items, and project risks to operations teams.
  • Assist with post-bid reconciliation, subcontractor award recommendations, and closeout of estimating documentation.
  • Communicate with project leads to clarify scope of work, materials, and schedule requirements
  • Conduct reviews of milestone documents for the development and pricing of value alternative opportunities and recommendations and to identify changes in work scope
  • Develop and maintain relationships with internal clients and subcontractors/vendors
  • Prepare scopes of work for subcontractors and suppliers and coordinate scopes of work across disciplines
  • Maintain current, working knowledge of MEP codes

QUALIFICATIONS
  • 2 years minimum experience in mechanical estimating with proven experience estimating large projects
  • Bachelor's degree in related field preferred
  • General knowledge of construction principles/process and of contractual delivery methods (negotiated/hard bids, GMP processes)
  • Knowledge of Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
For Southern California locations only, the salary range for this position is: $90,000-$115,000. This does not include possible bonus and other benefits which can impact total compensation. Compensation offered may vary based on work location, experience, qualifications, specialty, training, and market and business considerations, among other factors.
NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS: McCarthy's Talent Acquisition Team is the only authorized representative permitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. McCarthy maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually.
McCarthy will only consider submissions from agencies with a signed fee agreement in place for the current year. McCarthy does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or referrals from agencies that do not meet these requirements.
If a candidate is submitted without an active agreement, McCarthy will have no obligation to pay any fees and reserves the right to contact, engage, interview, or hire such candidate(s) without any financial or other responsibility to the submitting agency. Unsolicited resumes, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered the property of McCarthy.

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About McCarthy Building

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

McCarthy Building, headquartered in Saint Louis, MO, US, is a leading construction company primarily offering general contracting, design-build and construction management services throughout the United States. Its prominent industry presence can be explored in detail on its official website, mccarthy.com. Founded in 1864, the company has built a robust legacy marked by significant contributions to the U.S. construction industry. McCarthy Building engages a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, education, commercial, renewable energy, and advanced technology.

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1864

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What McCarthy Building Companies employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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