Remote Estimator (Metal Fabrication)

Full Job Description

Title: Estimator (Division 5 Metals)

Location: San Diego, CA, Remote Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours/week, 5 days/week Time Zone: Pacific Time (US West Coast) Level: Junior to Mid-level

About the Company

We’re working with a specialty metal fabrication company based in San Diego, CA with a lean, hands-on team focused on high-quality custom metalwork.

Their projects include interior stair railings, custom staircases, metal railings, balcony railings, entry and driveway gates, custom fencing, miscellaneous metals, and structural steel.

The company is looking for a dedicated Estimator who can grow with the team and become a reliable part of their estimating and operations workflow.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Division 5 Metals Estimator with hands-on experience estimating architectural metals, miscellaneous metals, and structural steel for U.S. construction projects.

This role is ideal for an early-career estimator with 2+ years of relevant Division 5 estimating experience who is detail-oriented, technically capable, and comfortable reviewing plans, performing takeoffs, building estimates, and communicating with vendors and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate estimates for Division 5 metal fabrication projects

• Perform quantity takeoffs and review project plans, drawings, and specifications

• Estimate architectural metals including handrails, guardrails, stairs, fences, and gates

• Estimate miscellaneous metals and structural steel

• Review drawings using Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and other design software

• Research material requirements, quantities, labor, and fabrication costs

• Coordinate with vendors and conduct follow-up calls when needed

• Work with internal teams through Construction Foreman, Outlook, and Excel

• Maintain organized estimating documentation and project information

• Integrate into the client's existing estimating processes and workflows

• Support project planning, pricing, and cost estimation for custom metalwork

Required Skills & Experience — NON-NEGOTIABLE

• 2+ years of hands-on construction estimating experience specifically in Division 5 metals

• Experience with architectural metals, miscellaneous metals, and/or structural steel

• Proven experience estimating items such as handrails, guardrails, fences, gates, stairs, and related metalwork

• Proficiency in Bluebeam and AutoCAD

• Familiarity with U.S. construction market standards and codes

• Strong understanding of metal fabrication processes, materials, and associated costs

• Fluent written and spoken English for client, vendor, and internal communication

• Ability to work full-time, dedicated to one client

• Ability to work Pacific Time (U.S. West Coast) hours

• Reliable and tested internet connection

• Professional and dedicated home-office setup

Preferred Tools

• Bluebeam

• AutoCAD

• PlanSwift

• Revit

• Excel

• Construction Foreman

• Outlook

Strong Candidate Signals

Candidates will stand out if they can demonstrate:

• A portfolio or examples of completed Division 5 metal estimates

• Extensive hands-on estimating of architectural metals

• Structural steel estimating experience

• Miscellaneous metals estimating experience

• Strong knowledge of metal fabrication methods and material pricing

• Ability to independently interpret construction drawings and specifications

• Experience working with U.S.-based contractors, fabricators, or construction companies

Who Will Thrive Here

The client values quality, accuracy, accountability, and long-term partnership. They are particularly interested in early-career talent who have the right technical foundation and the potential to grow into a stronger estimating/operations role.

The ideal candidate is:

• Detail-oriented and highly organized

• Comfortable working independently

• Proactive with vendor communication and follow-ups

• Transparent and responsive in communication

• Willing to learn and improve existing processes

• Interested in a long-term, dedicated position

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