ABOUT THIS ROLE
The Estimator is at the commercial heart of SDGNY's pre-construction team — translating complex signage scopes into accurate, competitive, and well-documented cost estimates that fuel our growth. From small interior sign programs to large-scale transit and exterior installations, you'll draw on your deep knowledge of sign fabrication, materials, and installation to produce pricing that is both sharp and defensible. This is a fully remote role requiring strong technical judgment, clear communication, and a collaborative mindset.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for signage projects including materials, in-house fabrication labor, finishing, printing, electrical, permitting, and installation
- Review and analyze take-off data, architectural drawings, specifications, site survey reports, and addenda to define accurate scope of work
- Solicit, evaluate, and incorporate subcontractor and vendor quotations for electrical, structural, rigging, and specialized installation work
- Clearly document all assumptions, exclusions, unit costs, allowances, and scope qualifications within each estimate
- Partner with the Pre-Construction Engineer to develop cost-effective technical solutions that balance SDGNY's quality standards with client budget constraints
- Participate in remote pre-bid walkthroughs, client clarification calls, and RFI coordination processes
- Build and maintain a living database of unit costs, fabrication productivity rates, and current material and labor pricing
- Prepare bid summaries and pricing exhibits in formats required by clients, general contractors, and public procurement agencies
- Support the Bid Manager with accurate, clearly formatted pricing packages during final proposal assembly
- Hand off awarded project budgets and scope documentation to SDGNY's project management team in a structured, thorough manner
- Analyze bid results over time to continuously refine estimating accuracy and improve win rates
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or equivalent experience
- 4+ years of estimating experience in signage, architectural fabrication, or commercial construction
- Strong working knowledge of sign fabrication methods — including metalwork, printing, painting, channel letters, LED systems, and installation hardware
- High proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with estimating software (Bluebeam, Stack, or industry-specific platforms) is a plus
- Analytical, detail-oriented, and highly organized — able to manage multiple estimates without sacrificing accuracy
- Strong written and verbal communicator — able to clearly present and defend pricing decisions to internal teams and external stakeholders
- Proven ability to thrive in a remote, deadline-driven environment using tools like Slack, Google Workspace, and Procore
NICE TO HAVE
- Experience estimating MTA, DOT, or other New York City agency signage projects
- Knowledge of union labor rates, prevailing wage requirements, and M/WBE compliance documentation in the NYC market
- Familiarity with SDGNY's fabrication capabilities: in-house printing, metalwork, cutting, painting, prototyping, and installation
About SDGNY Sign Design Group New York is a MBE and DBE certified signage company based in New York. We design, fabricate, and install high-quality signage solutions for clients including the MTA, Equinox, TimeOut Market, cultural institutions, and hospitality brands — all produced with in-house capabilities spanning metalwork, printing, painting, cutting, and installation.
