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Sds2 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Estimator- Metals

Denver, CO · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Tekla, SDS2, Advance Steel, or BIM experience * Experience within a company that has done Fab as well and erection * Design-build experience Anticipated starting pay range: $100,000.00- $140,000.00 ...

Experience with SDS2 or similar programs is preferred but not required; training provided. * Bachelor's degree in civil, structural, or mechanical engineering preferred. * Trades experience in ...

Tekla, SDS2, Advance Steel, or BIM experience * Experience within a company that has done Fab as well and erection * Design-build experience Anticipated starting pay range: $100,000.00- $140,000.00 ...

Showing results 41-43

Sds2 information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Sds2 position?

To thrive as an SDS2 Detailer, you need a solid background in structural steel detailing, construction principles, and interpreting engineering drawings, often supported by a degree or relevant experience in drafting or engineering. Expertise with SDS2 software, AutoCAD, and other modeling tools is highly valuable, and some employers may prefer candidates with certifications in steel detailing or BIM. Excellent attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication are critical soft skills for this role. These skills are essential for ensuring accurate fabrication drawings, reducing errors, and collaborating efficiently with engineers, architects, and fabricators.

What does an Sds2 do?

As an SDS2 Detailer, your daily tasks typically involve creating and reviewing detailed 3D models and fabrication drawings for structural steel projects using SDS2 software. You'll regularly interpret architectural and engineering plans, coordinate design changes with project managers and engineers, and ensure that your drawings meet industry standards and client specifications. Collaboration is key, as you’ll communicate with fabrication shops and construction teams to resolve any design or production challenges. The role is fast-paced and detail-oriented, making it ideal for professionals who enjoy technical precision and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

What is an Sds2?

An SDS2 job typically involves working with SDS2 software, a specialized 3D steel detailing and modeling program used in structural engineering and fabrication. Professionals in this role create detailed structural steel designs, generate shop drawings, and ensure accurate fabrication and construction. SDS2 detailers and modelers work closely with engineers, fabricators, and contractors to improve efficiency and reduce errors in steel structure projects.

More about Sds2 jobs
Infographic showing various Sds2 job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Estimator- Metals

DPR Construction

Denver, CO • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 23 days ago


DPR Construction rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Job Description
DPR Construction is seeking an Estimator- Metal with at least 3 years of commercial construction experience. Estimators will work on commercial projects within our core markets: healthcare, advanced technology, higher education, life sciences and corporate office. Senior estimators will work closely with GC Teams, architects, engineers, owners, and subcontractors and are required to have the following skills:
  • Handling the project from first estimate all the way through contracts being formalized.
  • Ability to look beyond the information that has been given, to ask the right questions and work to provide a complete metals cost evaluation and approach to the project.
  • Must be aggressive in providing innovative solutions to complex issues as they arise related to cost, lead-times, trade partners, and/or specified products or materials.
  • Ability to make reliable predictions as it relates to cost and be comfortable estimating across all aspects of construction.
  • Must have experience preparing detailed conceptual metals cost estimates and conceptual cost studies from schematic or feasibility-level documentation.
  • Ability to prepare detailed estimates and, as the design evolves, develop variance summaries between estimates and value engineering studies throughout.
  • Ability to assemble and present a complete presentation-worthy estimate package that clearly communicates the estimate to any audience type.
  • Must be able to collaborate with the entire project team to establish the necessary staffing and project requirements.
  • Must have knowledge and understanding of unit costs and the factors that affect construction cost.
  • Ability to prepare detailed instructions to bidders, trade specific clarifications and comprehensive bid packages for sub-tiers.
  • Must have experience with the bidding process: soliciting bids, communicating with the bidders, evaluating subcontractor proposals, using bid tally sheets, etc.
  • Work closely with Operations Team (Superintendents, Foreman, Project Managers, Etc) to refine estimate and ensure it is alignment with project approach, schedule, and logistics.
  • Make subcontractor award recommendations and the negotiation and finalization of subcontracts with trade partners.
  • Must have experience being a member of the team involved in request for proposal responses (RFP's) and the formal presentation for a project.
  • Ability to engage and develop business with new and existing customers.
  • Ability to lead and facilitate value engineering sessions with the project team and design team.
  • Must be familiar with reviewing construction contracts and can identify key risks that could affect the estimate.
  • Can lead, manage and motivate project teams during the preconstruction phase of a project.

Qualifications
  • 5+ years structural steel and/or miscellaneous metals estimating
  • Experience with both fabrication and field erection costs
  • Ability to read structural, architectural, and shop drawings
  • Strong understanding of AISC standards and steel construction practices
  • Experience pricing:
    • Structural steel
    • Stairs
    • Railings
    • Miscellaneous metals
    • Decking
    • Joist/girder packages
  • Proficient in Bluebeam and Excel
  • Ability to prepare bid packages, clarifications, and exclusions

Risk Identification and understanding the following:
  • Access
  • Crane requirements
  • Schedule constraints
  • Connections
  • Tolerances

Erection Estimating and understanding:
  • Piece count
  • Complexity
  • Height
  • Access
  • Welding requirements
  • Crane picks

Collaboration with operations:
  • Being able to sit with a superintendent and foreman and gain buy-in.
  • Coordination between GC precon teams and SPW

Preferred Background
  • Tekla, SDS2, Advance Steel, or BIM experience
  • Experience within a company that has done Fab as well and erection
  • Design-build experience

Anticipated starting pay range:
$100,000.00- $140,000.00
Nothing is more important than your health and wellness. DPR offers a variety of medical, dental, vision and wellness benefits to keep you healthy. Read more about eligibility and available benefits programs
for skilled craft and labor or experienced professionals and recent graduates.
DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world.
Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore unique paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together-by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.
Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers.

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