About Us
Head Steel is a family-owned and operated steel construction company based in Portland, TN, with deep roots in the community. We specialize in a wide range of steel services, including structural steel erection and fabrication, prefabricated building assembly, shear stud installation, rigging, and expert welding. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and personalized service has made us a trusted partner in the industry.
Position Summary
The Steel Estimator is responsible for reviewing plans and specifications, performing quantity takeoffs, obtaining vendor pricing, preparing accurate cost estimates, and submitting competitive bids for structural and miscellaneous steel projects. The estimator works closely with project managers, detailing, purchasing, and production to ensure projects are estimated accurately and profitably.
Essential Responsibilities
- Review structural drawings, architectural drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid documents.
- Prepare accurate estimates for structural and miscellaneous steel projects.
- Perform detailed takeoffs for beams, columns, joists, and decking, HSS and structural tubing, plates, embeds, lintels, and connection materials, stairs, handrails, guardrails, ladders, and miscellaneous metals
- Use Tekla PowerFab to develop estimates, organize bid information, and set up awarded projects.
- Calculate material, fabrication labor, erection labor, equipment, freight, coatings, and subcontractor costs.
- Send requests for quotations to steel suppliers, joist and deck suppliers, galvanizers, painters, erectors, and other vendors.
- Review supplier and subcontractor quotations for completeness and accuracy.
- Identify exclusions, clarifications, allowances, and potential project risks.
- Prepare professional bid proposals and scope letters.
- Track bid due dates, addenda, revisions, and follow-up activities.
- Prepare pricing for change orders and additional work.
- Maintain current material pricing, labor rates, equipment costs, and estimating databases.
- Coordinate with project managers, purchasing, detailing, production, and field erection teams.
- Assist with project handoff meetings after a contract is awarded.
- Review completed projects and compare estimated costs to actual costs.
- Help develop and improve estimating standards and procedures.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of structural or miscellaneous steel estimating experience.
- Working knowledge of Tekla PowerFab, including estimating and project setup.
- Ability to read and understand structural and architectural construction drawings.
- Knowledge of steel fabrication and erection methods.
- Understanding of structural steel shapes, plates, HSS, joists, decking, stairs, rails, and miscellaneous metals.
- Ability to calculate material quantities, weights, shop labor, field labor, equipment, and freight.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and PDF takeoff or markup software.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet strict bid deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Required Software Experience
Tekla PowerFab, Bluebeam Revu, AutoCAD, Excel, Trimble, or similiar ERP/Estimating software
Preferred Qualification
- Experience estimating projects ranging from small miscellaneous-metal packages to large structural-steel projects.
- Familiarity with AISC fabrication requirements.
- Experience with design-build, negotiated, and hard-bid projects.
- Existing relationships with general contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Knowledge of steel purchasing, shop scheduling, and production planning.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit for extended periods.
- Ability to visit fabrication shop and construction sites.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
Performance Expectations
The successful estimator will:
- Produce accurate, profitable bids.
- Meet bid deadlines consistently.
- Improve estimating efficiency.
- Maintain strong relationships with customers.
- Assist in growing annual sales.
- Support continuous process improvement.
Compensation
- Competitive salary based on experience - $75,000 to $100,000
- Performance bonus based on profitable work won (often 5-15% of salary)
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Simple IRA with match to 3%
- Professional development opportunities
- Company vehicle or vehicle allowance (for senior estimators)
- Cell phone and laptop
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented professional who enjoys solving problems and thrives in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate has experience in structural steel estimating, understands fabrication processes, and is committed to helping grow a customer-focused steel fabrication company.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Fuel reimbursement
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Experience:
- Construction estimating: 3 years (Required)
- Tekla PowerFab Software: 3 years (Required)
- Bluebeam Software: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Portland, TN 37148 (Required)
Work Location: In person
