| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Engineering |
| Level | Mid level |
| Reports to | Estimation Manager |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | 2 to 5 years in estimation or quantity surveying |
Estimation Engineer job description template
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Job title: Estimation Engineer
Department: Engineering
Reports to: Estimation Manager
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
An Estimation Engineer prepares detailed cost estimates for tenders and projects. They do quantity takeoff from drawings, build rate analysis for each item and produce the priced bill of quantities. The role supports the estimation manager and sits in the commercial or engineering team. A good Estimation Engineer measures accurately, prices with sound rates, spots missing scope and gets estimates ready well before the tender deadline.
Key responsibilities
- Do quantity takeoff from drawings and specifications for each work item.
- Build rate analysis for material, labour, plant and subcontract per item.
- Prepare the priced bill of quantities and the estimate summary.
- Float and collect vendor and subcontractor quotes and compare them.
- Read drawings and specs to flag missing items, ambiguities and risks.
- Maintain takeoff sheets and backup so the estimate is traceable.
- Update rates from recent purchase data and fresh market enquiry.
- Support bid reviews with cost breakdowns, alternatives and value options.
- Hand over rates and assumptions to projects after award.
Requirements
- Diploma or degree in civil or mechanical engineering
- Knowledge of estimation and rate analysis
- Quantity surveying training is an advantage
- 2 to 5 years in estimation or quantity surveying
KRAs and KPIs for a Estimation Engineer
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Takeoff accuracy | Measured quantities within 3 percent of the final for major items |
| On time estimates | Priced estimates ready one day before the submission deadline |
| Traceability | Every rate backed by a documented analysis or quote |
| Scope capture | No major work item missed in the estimate |
| Quote coverage | At least three vendor quotes for major bought out items |
| Rate updates | Key rates refreshed before each major bid |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: MS Excel, AutoCAD for takeoff, Bluebeam or PDF takeoff, Candy or CCS estimating, ERP costing module.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Senior Estimation Engineer, Estimation Manager, Quantity Surveyor
Interview questions for a Estimation Engineer
- How do you do quantity takeoff from a set of drawings?
- Walk me through building a rate for a concrete or fabrication item.
- How do you spot missing scope before you price a tender?
- How do you compare vendor quotes that cover different scopes?
- How do you keep your takeoff traceable for review?
- A drawing and the bill of quantities disagree. What do you do?
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What does an Estimation Engineer do?
An Estimation Engineer prepares detailed cost estimates. They measure quantities from drawings, build rate analysis for each item, collect vendor quotes and produce the priced bill of quantities. They also flag missing scope and risks. The goal is an accurate, traceable estimate ready before the tender deadline.
What is the difference between an Estimation Engineer and a Quantity Surveyor?
An Estimation Engineer prices work before award: takeoff, rates and the bill of quantities for a bid. A Quantity Surveyor usually manages quantities and cost during the project: measurement, valuations, variations and final accounts. They share skills, and in some firms one role covers both pre and post award work.
What qualifications does an Estimation Engineer need?
A diploma or degree in civil or mechanical engineering, with knowledge of rate analysis and drawing reading. A quantity surveying course helps. Employers value accuracy in measurement, comfort with Excel and estimating software, and a careful eye for scope and risk.