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Internship Estimation Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Internship Estimation Engineer information

What does an internship estimation engineer do?

An Internship Estimation Engineer assists in preparing cost estimates for engineering projects, usually in construction, manufacturing, or related industries. They work under the guidance of senior estimation engineers to analyze project plans, gather necessary information, and help calculate material, labor, and time requirements. Interns may use specialized software and spreadsheets to compile data and generate reports. This role provides hands-on experience in project planning, budgeting, and understanding how estimates impact the successful completion of projects.

What are the typical responsibilities of an internship estimation engineer, and how do they contribute to project success?

As an Internship Estimation Engineer, you will assist in preparing cost estimates for construction or engineering projects by analyzing project drawings, specifications, and related documents. Your daily tasks may include gathering data, performing quantity take-offs, and supporting senior estimators in developing detailed cost breakdowns. This role is key to ensuring that projects are accurately budgeted from the outset, helping to minimize financial risks and keep projects on track. You’ll also collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams, gaining valuable insight into the broader project lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship estimation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Estimation Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, strong mathematical skills, and enrollment in an engineering program. Familiarity with estimation software such as AutoCAD, MS Excel, and industry-specific tools like CostX or Bluebeam is commonly expected. Attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are important soft skills that help interns collaborate and learn quickly in dynamic project environments. These skills and qualities are essential for producing accurate cost estimates, supporting project planning, and contributing to the efficiency and success of engineering teams.

What is the difference between Internship Estimation Engineer vs Estimation Engineer?

AspectInternship Estimation EngineerEstimation Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in engineering or related fieldBachelor's or higher in engineering, often with certifications
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level tasks, supervisedFull-time professional role, independent project work
Industry UsageUsed in training programs, entry-level hiringEstablished role in project bidding and cost estimation
Search/Comparison IntentStudents or entry-level job seekers comparing rolesProfessionals or employers comparing estimation roles

In summary, an Internship Estimation Engineer is an entry-level position designed for students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, while an Estimation Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for detailed project cost estimation and bidding. The internship role offers learning opportunities, whereas the estimation engineer role involves independent project work and greater responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Estimation Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Estimation Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Internship Estimation Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Internship Estimation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Internship Estimation Engineer job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 70% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Preconstruction Engineer - New College Grad

Clayco

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Clayco rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $7.6 billion in revenue for 2024, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential related building projects.

The Role We Want You For

As a Preconstruction Engineer, you will drive the bidding process for construction projects by crafting precise conceptual and hard dollar estimates, developing proposals, and managing subcontractor bids. You will ensure the accuracy and completeness of all project documents, perform quantity take-offs, conduct constructability reviews, and implement value engineering analyses. Your contributions will be crucial in shaping departmental strategies and fostering continuous improvement.

The Specifics of the Role

  • Proposal Preparation: Collaborate with the Preconstruction team to deliver accurate proposals across various business units, including Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, and Residential sectors.
  • Quantity Take-Offs: Perform detailed quantity take-offs for specific scopes of work to support accurate estimating.
  • Subcontractor Management: Oversee the solicitation process for subcontractor bids, build and nurture relationships with subcontractors, and maintain a comprehensive master list of subcontractors/vendors.
  • Bid Evaluation: Prepare and analyze Bid Evaluation sheets to ensure competitive and fair bidding processes.
  • Schedule and Conditions Review: Evaluate project schedules, assist in drafting General Conditions, and contribute to the final assembly of estimates for presentation to owners.
  • Handoff and Support: Facilitate a seamless transition of estimates, bid information, drawings, and specifications to Project Management, and assist Project Managers with contract negotiations, change orders, and other project needs.
  • Historical Data Management: Develop and maintain historical data on unit prices to inform future estimating and bidding processes.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related.
  • Project Engineer internship experience or related internship.
  • Field experience desirable.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of construction principles, practices, and technology.
  • Previous experience on a successful project management team.
  • Ability to walk a job site, climb ladders, and scale multi-floor scaffolding.
  • Ability to lift objects of at least 50 lbs.

Some Things You Should Know

  • Our clients and projects are nationwide – Some travel will be required.
  • No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
  • We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
  • The pace is fast!

Why Clayco?

  • 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
  • 2025 ENR Midwest – Midwest Contractor (#1).
  • 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
  • 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).
  • 2025 ENR Top 25 Data Center Builders – Data Center Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits

  • Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

  • The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $65,000 - $75,000 +/- annually (not adjusted for location).

What Clayco employees say

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