Dakota Holdings→
Estimator at Dakota Holdings in Sunnyvale, TX
Entry LevelOn-siteFull-timeSunnyvale, TX
Job Description
Estimator – Drive Precision Bidding & Cost Management for Dakota Holdings
Job Overview:
- Company: Dakota Holdings
- Salary/Pay Rate: Competitive salary based on experience
- Location: Sunnyvale, TX
- Job/Employment Type: Full Time
- Project Scope: Commercial Structural Steel & Architectural Millwork
- Mandatory Licences & Certifications: None Required
The Opportunity
You will serve as a core financial catalyst, developing precise cost estimates for complex commercial structural steel and architectural millwork projects. This role empowers you to shape project profitability, collaborate with executive leadership, and ensure every proposal reflects technical excellence. You will join a supportive team that values your technical expertise and provides clear avenues for career advancement.
How You Will Make an Impact:
- Analyze architectural blueprints, contract drawings, and specifications to perform comprehensive room-by-room and structural material take-offs.
- Build competitive bid packages and cost estimates by applying standardized labor hours, material rates, and buyout trade pricing.
- Coordinate with subcontractors and vendors to solicit, evaluate, and negotiate scope-compliant quotes for specialty items and buyout trades.
- Define project scope exclusions, clarifications, and assumptions clearly within formal proposal documentation.
- Partner with drafting, purchasing, and shop operations teams to validate pricing assumptions and confirm fabrication methods.
- Monitor market pricing trends for structural steel and raw millwork materials to maintain accurate cost models.
- Price addendums and scope changes effectively while maintaining strict bid submission deadlines.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in construction estimating, drafting, or structural steel and millwork project development.
- Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and analyze detailed architectural drawings, contract documents, and specifications.
- Proven proficiency in performing accurate material take-offs and pricing calculations under deadline pressure.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills needed to negotiate with subcontractors, general contractors, and internal stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil/Structural Engineering, Architecture, or Business.
- Direct experience with estimation software tools including Bluebeam Revu, Project Pak, PlanSwift, Tekla, or SDS/2.
- Hands-on background in cabinet production, shop fabrication processes, or miscellaneous steel design.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive base salary with weekly pay cycles and performance-based bonus eligibility.
- Profit-sharing opportunities and sign-on bonus eligibility.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- 401(k) retirement plan options to support long-term financial goals.
- Paid time off covering holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- Provided safety equipment along with life and disability insurance options.
- Ongoing professional development, safety training, and manufacturer certification programs.
- Employee referral bonus program and company-sponsored team events.
About Us
Dakota Holdings deliver high-quality commercial structural steel fabrication and architectural millwork solutions. We foster a collaborative, growth-oriented culture centered on precision, safety, and continuous employee development.
Dakota Holdings is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.