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JOB DETAILS

Design-Phase & Budget Estimator (DBE)

CompanyBAPKO METAL INC
LocationOrange
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 6, 2026
About The Company
Headquartered in Orange, CA, BAPKO Metal Inc. is one of California’s most reputable and trusted self-performing contractors specializing in structural steel, miscellaneous steel, architectural metals, and stairs. Our quality craftsmanship can be found in the steel structures supporting a diverse range of projects, and in the architectural details enhancing commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities across California. Recognized as a regional leader in steel fabrication and installation, we bring decades of experience that allow us to meet the requirements of large, complex projects — on time and on budget. With this expertise comes an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. Our long-standing clients have come to depend on us as a reliable partner who adds value to every project, and who delivers on our promises. As an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company, BAPKO is 100% employee-owned. Which means every individual on our team takes personal pride and ownership in the quality of our work and services. More than landmark projects, we are committed to building long-term relationships with our clients on a foundation of trust, value, and unrivaled customer service.
About the Role

Description

About BAPKO Metal, Inc.

Headquartered in Orange, CA, BAPKO Metal Inc. is one of California’s most reputable and trusted self-performing contractors specializing in structural steel, miscellaneous steel, architectural metals, and stairs. Our quality craftsmanship can be found in the steel structures supporting a diverse range of projects, and in the architectural details enhancing commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities across California.

 

The purpose of this position is to prepare conceptual and design-phase budgets while developing the technical foundation needed to progress into independent project estimating. This role supports early customer opportunities, organizes budget information from incomplete design documents, and learns how design decisions affect fabrication and installation costs. 


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following: 

  • Prepare conceptual and design-phase budgets using incomplete architectural, structural, civil, landscape, and specification information. 
  • Perform quantity takeoffs and apply historical costs, unit costs, budget pricing, and comparable projects to develop preliminary pricing. 
  • Document budget assumptions, allowances, inclusions, exclusions, and unresolved information clearly. 
  • Track quantity, scope, and cost changes as designs progress from concept toward bid documents. 
  • Identify major cost drivers and elevate unusual fabrication, installation, logistics, finish, detailing, or schedule conditions for senior review. 
  • Obtain preliminary supplier, vendor, and subcontractor pricing when needed to support budget development. 
  • Maintain historical budget information and compare earlier budgets to later estimates and project results when available. 
  • Develop proficiency with Bluebeam, Excel, TEKLA/EPM, company estimating systems, and BAPKO estimating procedures. 
  • Build working knowledge of material, fabrication, field installation, detailing, equipment, logistics, buyouts, and scope risk. 
  • Progress toward Estimator I by preparing and explaining a complete simple estimate with appropriate review. 
  • Facilitate executive level introductions with design teams, customers and industry leaders.  
  • Adhere to BAPKO estimating guidelines, procedures, practices and other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred. 
  • Ability or demonstrated aptitude to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications. 
  • Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and communication skills. 
  • Attention to detail and ability to document assumptions clearly when design information is incomplete. 
  • Computer proficiency including: Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, Bluebeam, and TEKLA/EPM or comparable estimating systems. 
  • Construction, detailing, fabrication, field, or estimating exposure is helpful but not required. 
  • Preferred 2 years' experience within the industry. 

 Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Schedule: Monday - Friday


Join our team as a Design-Phase & Budget Estimator (DBE) where your expertise will contribute significantly to the success of our projects!


BAPKO Metal, Inc. 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, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Key Skills
BudgetingQuantity takeoffsConstruction drawingsBluebeamExcelTekla/EPMStructural steelArchitectural metalsCost estimationAnalytical skillsCommunication skillsProject managementFabrication knowledgeInstallation knowledgeLogisticsDetailing
Categories
ConstructionEngineeringManufacturingManagement & Leadership
Benefits
401(k)Dental insuranceEmployee assistance programFlexible spending accountHealth insuranceLife insurancePaid time offReferral programRetirement planVision insurance
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
Prepare conceptual and design-phase budgets by performing quantity takeoffs and analyzing incomplete design documents. Collaborate with design teams and vendors to track cost changes and develop technical proficiency in fabrication and installation processes.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$25 - $28
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
103
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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