Job Description

Project Estimator - Rigging (Data Centers, Pharma, Semiconductor)

Role Summary

Own the rigging portion of complex industrial/commercial bids. You'll mine 1,000+ page RFPs/specs/drawings for what actually matters, define the rigging scope, quantify labor/equipment/duration, and deliver complete, defensible bid packages that operations can build and finance can trust.

Core Responsibilities

Scope Extraction & Clarification

+ Parse RFPs/specs/drawings (Div 01/05/11/13/14/40-46, appendices, vendor cut sheets) to isolate rigging scope: receiving, uncrating, hoisting, setting, anchoring, alignment, cleanroom/contamination controls, turnover.
+ Build and track RFIs; resolve conflicting notes between architectural, structural, MEP, process, and tool/vendor sets.

Quantity Takeoff & Means/Methods

+ Perform detailed takeoffs: weights/CGs, travel paths, floor loading, pick radii, lift heights, access constraints, rigging gear lists, temporary works.
+ Select feasible means/methods: cranes vs. gantry vs. Versa-Lift/forklift vs. skates/hydraulic jacks; develop alternate approaches when logistics or vibration limits demand it.

Pricing & Production

+ Calculate crew compositions and

man-hours by activity

(receive, stage, rig, set, align, anchor, clean, turnover).
+ Price owned equipment vs. rental (cranes, gantries, forklifts/Versa-Lifts, dollies/skates, hydraulic power packs, spreader bars, specialty rigging).
+ Apply correct wage rates, fringes, OT rules, per diem, travel, mobilization/demob, consumables, small tools, waste, and escalation.

Schedule & Logistics

+ Build level-2/3 rigging schedules with durations, constraints, and float; coordinate around tool install, shutdowns, and blackout dates.
+ Plan site logistics: laydown, ingress/egress, rigging routes, floor protection, housekeeping, crane setups, lift sequencing, after-hours work.

Risk & Compliance

+ Identify risk items (weight/sling capacity margins, floor loads, vibration limits, contamination control, lift plan approvals, shutdown windows) with mitigation and cost.
+ Include safety planning assumptions (JHAs, lift plans, permits), cleanroom protocols (gowning, wipe-downs, bag-in/bag-out), and GMP/validation touchpoints where applicable.

Sub/vendor Management

+ Solicit, level, and lock quotes for crane service, specialty transport, engineered picks/temporary works, anchors/epoxy, rigging gear rental, and disposal.

Bid Package Assembly

+ Produce complete bid deliverables (see checklist below) and present at internal reviews; hand off to Operations with clear assumptions and alternates.

Post-Bid Support

+ Respond to clarifications, VE options, and negotiate scope. Upon award, support turnover and early buyout.

Required Qualifications

5+ years in industrial/commercial

rigging estimating

or heavy-mech/tool install (data center/pharma/semiconductor preferred). Strong blueprint/spec literacy (general, structural, MEP, process/tool drawings; lift plans; vendor prints; P&IDs/GA helpful). Proven ability to model picks, floor loads, and lift paths; practical understanding of cranes, gantries, Versa-Lifts, jacking/skating systems. Advanced Excel (production rates, parametrics, sensitivity), Bluebeam Revu (takeoff), scheduling (MS Project or P6). Experience leveling vendor/sub quotes and writing scope clarifications/exceptions. Safety-first mindset; working knowledge of OSHA/ASME B30 rigging standards; cleanroom/GMP basics for pharma/semi. Clear written and verbal communication; able to defend a number.

Nice-to-Have Certifications

NCCCO Signalperson/Rigger (or equivalent), OSHA-30, TWIC (as needed), 3D lift planning (AutoCAD/Revit/3D Lift Plan), anchor/epoxy installer cards.

Key Performance Indicators (measured quarterly)

Estimate Accuracy:

10-15% variance estimate-to-actual labor/equipment on closed projects.

Hit Rate & Throughput:

Qualified bids submitted vs. awards; on-time submission rate.

RFI Efficiency:

Avg. days to resolve critical scope RFIs; % of bids with unresolved criticals at submission (target: 0%).

Schedule Reality:

% of operations feedback indicating durations were buildable without re-baselining.

Risk Capture:

# of material risk items identified vs. realized.

Tools You'll Use

Bluebeam Revu, Excel (power user), MS Project or P6, 3D Lift Plan/AutoCAD (or equivalent), SharePoint/Teams or Procore, and our ERP/estimating templates.

Working Conditions

Office-based with site walks and pre-bid meetings (travel as required by pursuit). Occasional off-hours work for shutdown reconnaissance.

Bid Package Deliverables (Checklist)

Executive summary &

written scope narrative

(what's in/out; assumptions; alternates). Detailed

takeoff

with weight/CG data, counts, and rigging gear lists.

Man-hour build

by activity/crew; crew mix and shifts.

Equipment plan

(owned vs. rental), crane/gantry sizing calcs, floor load checks. Levelled

sub/vendor quote tab

with inclusions/exclusions.

Level-2/3 schedule

with durations, logic ties, and constraints.

Risk register

with mitigations and cost impacts.

Safety/quality provisions:

lift plan requirements, JHAs, cleanroom/GMP controls, QC/turnover documentation.

Commercials:

clarifications/exceptions, escalation, taxes, bonds, insurance notes. Turnover pack outline for Operations.

Salary & Benefits (fill to fit your market)

Exempt; base $XX-$YY DOE + bonus tied to hit rate and estimate accuracy. Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, PTO, paid training/certifications.

Reporting Line

Reports to: Preconstruction Manager or Director of Estimating. Works daily with Operations, Project Management, Safety, and Logistics