ESTIMATOR (STRUCTURAL STEEL)

Southern Spear Ironworks | Chattanooga, TN | Full-Time | Exempt (Salaried)

ABOUT US

Southern Spear Ironworks is a structural steel fabrication and erection contractor and a member of the Iron Crown Family of Companies. We self-perform fabrication and erection across the Southeast (TN, AL, GA, SC, NC, FL, LA, MS, VA), including federal and military job sites. We build hard things and we back the people who build them.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Estimator prepares accurate, complete, and timely cost estimates for structural steel fabrication, erection, and miscellaneous metals projects. Working under the Chief Steel Estimator, you will execute quantity takeoffs, build cost models, solicit and level vendor and subcontractor quotes, and assemble bid packages. This is a role with room to grow into increasing scope and complexity.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from structural drawings, specifications, addenda, and models - beams, columns, braces, connections, embeds, decking, joists, stairs, rails, and miscellaneous metals.

- Develop cost estimates covering material, shop fabrication hours, detailing, coatings and galvanizing, freight, field erection labor, equipment, cranes and rigging, consumables, and travel.

- Solicit, track, and level quotes from mills, service centers, coaters, galvanizers, detailers, trucking, and subcontractors; maintain a current quote log for each bid.

- Review plans and specs thoroughly; identify scope gaps, drawing conflicts, and ambiguities, and prepare RFIs to general contractors and engineers.

- Assemble bid packages including proposal letters, scope of work, inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, and unit pricing.

- Maintain the bid calendar - invitations to bid, due dates, addenda, plan holders, and submission requirements. Nothing gets missed.

- Coordinate with Detailing, Shop/Operations, and Field Operations to validate assumptions on constructability, production rates, and erection approach.

- Support pricing of change orders, alternates, and value-engineering options on active projects.

- Update and maintain estimating databases, historical cost records, and unit-cost libraries.

- Participate in post-award turnover meetings and post-completion cost reviews; document lessons learned.

- Attend pre-bid meetings and site walks; document existing conditions, access constraints, laydown, and crane positioning considerations.

- Assist with prevailing wage and certified payroll cost inputs on federal and public-works pursuits.

- Maintain professional relationships with general contractors, vendors, and subcontractors.

WHAT YOU BRING (REQUIRED)

- 3+ years of estimating experience in structural steel, construction, or a closely related trade - or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on steel industry experience.

- Ability to read and interpret structural and architectural drawings and specifications.

- Working knowledge of steel fabrication and erection processes and terminology.

- Proficiency with takeoff and estimating software (FabSuite, Bluebeam, Tekla, ProEst, or equivalent) and strong Excel skills.

- Strong arithmetic and analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail.

- Ability to manage multiple bids with competing deadlines and deliver on time.

- Clear written and verbal communication; comfortable on the phone with vendors and GCs.

- Valid driver's license and ability to travel occasionally for site visits and pre-bid meetings.

NICE TO HAVE

- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.

- Prior fabrication shop or field ironworking experience.

- Familiarity with AISC standards and AWS D1.1.

- Exposure to Davis-Bacon / prevailing wage projects.

- Experience with miscellaneous metals takeoff.

WHO SUCCEEDS HERE

- Accuracy. Small errors compound into lost money.

- Urgency. Bid dates do not move.

- Curiosity. Asks the question rather than assuming the answer.

- Collaboration. Works with shop, field, and detailing - not in isolation.

- Ownership. Follows a number from takeoff through turnover.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primarily office-based in Chattanooga with occasional travel to job sites and fabrication shops. Site visits require walking uneven terrain, climbing stairs and ladders, and wearing required PPE. Occasional extended hours near bid deadlines.

Southern Spear Ironworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Construction estimating: 3 years (Required)

Location:

• Chattanooga, TN 37410 (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Chattanooga, TN 37410 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chattanooga, TN 37410: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person