Estimator

1Job Title: Estimator (Metal Roofing / Exterior Metal Work)

Location: Full-Time Remote

Working Hours: Full-Time, Monday to Friday, Pacific Time (US West Coast Business Hours / 40 hours per week)

Compensation: $1,500 – $2,500 / month (depending on experience)

About the Company

Columbia Sheet Metal is a specialized exterior construction contractor based in Tacoma, Washington (Seattle area). Operating with a lean, highly specialized team, the company focuses on Division 7 work—specifically waterproofing, metal roofing, and exterior metal systems. Driven by an owner who is hands-on, quality-focused, and collaborative, Columbia Sheet Metal values methodology alignment, precision, and architectural excellence over speed.

About the Opportunity

To support ongoing growth and project operations, Columbia Sheet Metal is seeking a Mid to Senior-Level Estimator to join its team.

In this role, you will work directly alongside the owner to prepare detailed material/labor takeoffs, analyze project scopes, and ensure all estimates align with the company's established quality standards. You will also support shop drawing creation, interface with technical/architectural design details, and assist with project management tasks as needed.

This position is ideal for an experienced, detail-oriented estimator with an engineering background who thrives in a collaborative environment, excels at technical drawing analysis, and is open to discussing and refining estimating methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Technical Takeoffs

• Takeoff Preparation: Prepare detailed, accurate takeoff estimates for commercial projects, high-end residential builds, and custom homes.

• Scope Analysis: Analyze project scope and technical drawings using past project benchmarks and established methodologies.

• Methodology Alignment: Work collaboratively with the owner to deliver estimates that meet company standards and quality expectations.

Architectural & Design Support

• CAD & Shop Drawings: Support shop drawing creation and technical design work (utilizing AutoCAD experience).

• Technical Evaluation: Review architectural plans and identify alternative, more efficient estimating or execution approaches while respecting core company standards.

Project Operations & Collaboration

• Project Management Assistance: Assist with day-to-day project management tasks and cross-functional operational needs as required.

• Methodology Optimization: Engage in collaborative discussions regarding tools, process improvements, and modern/AI-based estimating tools to optimize accuracy.

Required Qualifications & Attributes

Must Have:

• Experience: 3 to 15+ years of proven estimating experience in construction or metal trades.

• Education: Engineering background (Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering degree) or equivalent construction/estimating background.

• Industry & Technical Expertise: Strong expertise in Division 7 work (waterproofing, metal roofing, exterior metal systems) or transferable structural steel/metal fabrication knowledge.

• Software & Technical Skills: Hands-on experience with takeoff estimating, technical drawing analysis, and AutoCAD.

• Project Focus: Proven track record in commercial projects along with high-end residential and custom home experience.

• Communication: Exceptional, fluent written and spoken English communication skills.

• Work Style & Attributes: Detail-oriented, highly collaborative, and eager to discuss alternative or more efficient estimating approaches.

• Schedule Availability: Fully available to work Pacific Time business hours (8 hours/day, 40 hours/week).

Nice to Have: Standout Signals & Preferred Experience

• Working Session Alignment: Ability to demonstrate understanding of company-specific estimating methodologies through a practical working session on a past project.

• Regional Code Familiarity: Familiarity with multiple regional building codes (e.g., California, Florida, New York, or similar).

• Architectural Background: Background in architectural design, architectural engineering, or shop drawing development.

• Comprehensive System Knowledge: Experience handling both interior structural work and exterior finishing systems, demonstrating a holistic understanding of building construction