Chief Cost Estimator & Strategy Leader (Hybrid)

The Port Authority of NY & NJ; Jersey City (NJ); Hybrid; USD 191,000 - 236,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking a Chief Estimator in the Engineering Department to lead cost intelligence for a multi‑billion capital program in the New York‑New Jersey region. You will set estimating standards, govern cost data, and guide project teams through complex budgets and risk analyses.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will mentor the estimating staff, champion BIM‑based cost modeling, and drive value engineering while ensuring compliance with agency policies

Qualifications

• 15+ years on large-scale engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Experience with transportation, buildings, bridges, marine and utilities.
• Advanced cost risk, contingency modeling, and probabilistic analyses.
• Independent validation of billion-dollar budgets before procurement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization’s estimating strategy, standards, and long‑term vision; provide executive guidance on cost implications and budget validation.
• Oversee standardized estimating methodologies, templates, workflows, and reviews of estimates across project stages.
• Conduct independent estimate reviews for high‑risk or high‑value projects.
• Partner with engineering, PMO, finance, procurement, and leadership to integrate cost considerations throughout the lifecycle.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Cost estimation

BIM cost modeling

MS Office

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Architecture/Construction Management

Master's degree preferred

Tools

HCSS

Bluebeam

BIM cost modeling

MS Office

Job description

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking a Chief Estimator in the Engineering Department to lead cost intelligence for a multi‑billion capital program in the New York‑New Jersey region. You will set estimating standards, govern cost data, and guide project teams through complex budgets and risk analyses.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will mentor the estimating staff, champion BIM‑based cost modeling, and drive value engineering while ensuring compliance with agency policies