Pre-Construction Estimator

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.  

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong.  Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.   

What this job involves
The Pre-construction Estimator for Industrial Manufacturing supports the early planning, budgeting, and analytical phases of large‑scale industrial, manufacturing, and process‑driven facility projects. This role develops accurate and defensible cost estimates, evaluates complex technical scopes, collaborates with engineering teams, and ensures that budgets align with client expectations, operational requirements, and manufacturing timelines.

Industrial projects often include specialized equipment, process utilities, structural modifications, automation systems, and high‑tolerance construction. This position plays a key role in identifying cost drivers, assessing constructability, and supporting strategic decision‑making to position projects for success before construction begins.

The Estimator ensures consistency, clarity, and quality throughout all preconstruction deliverables and drives alignment between engineering, operations, project management, and external partners.

Your day‑to‑day responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates for industrial manufacturing projects, including building systems, structural work, process piping, electrical distribution, specialty utilities, equipment installation, and facility infrastructure.
• Perform precise material and quantity takeoffs using estimating tools and validated cost databases tailored to industrial environments.
• Review engineering drawings, P&IDs, equipment layouts, specifications, and design narratives to understand manufacturing and process requirements.
• Coordinate with internal and external engineering teams to clarify technical details, process flow impacts, and scope alignment.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals, ensuring alignment with manufacturing‑specific scope elements and technical requirements.
• Analyze market conditions, fabrication lead times, and labor availability specific to industrial trades and advanced manufacturing.
• Support value engineering workshops, identifying cost‑saving alternatives related to building systems, process utilities, material selections, and construction sequencing.
• Participate in constructability reviews, providing insight into installation challenges, equipment access, shutdown impacts, and safety considerations.
• Maintain detailed estimate documentation, cost assumptions, equipment allowances, clarifications, and exclusions.
• Update budgets continuously as design evolves and provide cost impact assessments for scope changes or operational constraints.
• Support scheduling teams with cost‑loaded schedules and phasing strategies, including plant shutdowns, tie‑ins, and commissioning windows.
• Provide benchmarking and cost modeling for new production lines, capacity expansions, and facility retrofit projects.
• Partner with Project Managers to develop client presentations, budget narratives, procurement strategies, and decision‑support documentation.
• Ensure smooth handoff to construction teams by preparing complete preconstruction packages including final estimates, bid comparisons, equipment lists, and design clarifications.
• Continuously identify opportunities to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and standardization within the industrial estimating process.

Education & Experience

• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Technology, or a related field required.
• 3–7 years of estimating experience in construction, preferably with industrial, manufacturing, plant expansion, or process‑driven projects.
• Experience working with complex scopes such as process piping, mechanical and electrical distribution, industrial utilities, automation systems, equipment installation, and heavy‑industrial structural work.
• Background in preconstruction, cost planning, or project engineering strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with estimating software and tools (e.g., Bluebeam, On‑Screen Takeoff, Sage, Trimble, RSMeans, or similar).
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, P&IDs, equipment layouts, and process flow documents.
• Solid understanding of industrial construction methods, sequencing, cost drivers, labor productivity, and means & methods.
• Ability to evaluate subcontractor proposals, identify gaps, normalize bids, and develop accurate comparison analyses.
• Familiarity with industrial safety requirements, building codes, and regulatory constraints related to plant environments.
• Strong Excel skills for cost modeling, benchmarking, and detailed estimate breakdowns

Certifications (Preferred but not required)

• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE)
• Associate Constructor (AC) or Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
• OSHA 30‑hour certification
• Lean or Six Sigma training related to industrial process improvement

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Expected compensation for this position:

100,000.00 – 125,000.00 USD per year

Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location:

On-site –El Segundo, CA

Job Tags:

Affordable Housing Real Estate Management, Base Build Retrofit Project Delivery, Budget Development, Building Condition Survey Project Delivery, Build to Rent Real Estate Management, Consulting Industry Knowledge, Data Center Real Estate Management, Data Centre Industry Knowledge, Education & Training Industry Knowledge, Marketing, Overseeing Projects, Project Cost Tracking

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements.  We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits include:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary 
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.