Cost Engineer

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC); Hawaii; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parking

Exclusive access to military exchanges

Global mobility opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

NAVFAC Pacific seeks journey-level Cost Engineers to deliver comprehensive cost estimates for military construction and renovation projects. You will lead estimator activities in design workshops, evaluate contractor proposals, and ensure cost data accuracy across complex programs for the Navy and supporting commands.

The role emphasizes cost analysis, control, and collaboration with designers and project managers, with a focus on quality, schedule, and risk management within federal facilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance.
• U.S. Citizen, 18+ at time of hire.
• Males must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Background check and fingerprinting as part of federal employment process.

Responsibilities

• Develop preliminary, budget, and detailed cost estimates for MILCON and renovation projects.
• Lead estimator in design workshops; advise on cost control and constructability.
• Analyze designs, drawings, and specs to project costs and evaluate contractor proposals; participate in change orders.
• Review cost estimates prepared by A/E firms for compliance and QC reviews of in‑house designs.
• Research construction trends and update labor, materials, and equipment cost data.

Skills

Cost estimation

Budgeting

Design workshop leadership

Cost control

Change order negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Professional Engineer License

Job description

At NAVFAC Pacific, we bring together diverse engineering and technical talents to deliver cutting‑edge, impactful infrastructure projects that secure our nation's future. We are currently looking for experienced, journey‑level Cost Engineers to join our dynamic team and make a lasting impact.

Our Cost Engineers provide independent, timely, and professional architectural products and services, consultation, design, construction, and maintenance of facilities for the Navy, Marine Corps, and other supported Commands. You will be working on a variety of special projects and critical military construction (MILCON), and be involved in the demolition, maintenance, space utilization, and development of facilities.

As a Cost Engineer, you will:

• Develop comprehensive preliminary, budget, and detailed cost estimates for a wide variety of complex military construction and renovation projects.
• Act as the lead estimator in design workshops, provide expert advice to designers and project managers on cost control, constructability, and alternative design scenarios.
• Conduct analysis of designs, drawings, and specifications to determine cost projections, evaluate contractor cost proposals, and participate in change order negotiations.
• Perform comprehensive reviews of complex cost estimates prepared by Architecture/Engineering (A/E) firms, ensure compliance with contractual requirements, and participate in Quality Control reviews of in‑house designs.
• Research and analyze construction trends, adjust cost data accordingly to mitigate risk, and maintain up‑to‑date information on labor, materials, and equipment costs.

Highly Desirable: Professional Engineer License and 4-10 years construction cost estimating and scheduling experience

Key Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• Valid Driver’s License
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET Clearance
• A US Citizen - 18 or older at time of hire
• Males registered or exempt from Selective Service www.sss.gov
• Determined suitable for federal employment (process includes a background check and fingerprinting)

Benefit Package Built for Your Future:

We understand that true compensation goes far beyond a base salary. NAVFAC Pacific offers a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits portfolio designed to provide exceptional long‑term financial security, robust health coverage, and genuine work‑life balance.

Here is a look at the outstanding benefits you can expect when you join our team:

Elite Retirement System: A powerful three‑part plan featuring a Federal Pension (FERS), a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to a 5% employer match, and Social Security. Gain access to a guaranteed defined‑benefit pension—a highly sought‑after cornerstone for retirement that is increasingly rare to find.

Lifelong Health Coverage: Top‑tier, flexible health insurance plans for you and your family. Carry your health coverage into retirement, providing unparalleled long‑term peace of mind and financial protection.

Generous Time Off: Continuously accruing paid sick and annual (vacation) leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays. Prioritize your well‑being with abundant, guaranteed time to recharge and spend with family.

Maximized Earnings: A highly competitive base salary paired with localized Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). Ensure your purchasing power remains strong and adapts to your specific geographic location.

Work‑Life Integration: Flexible and alternative work scheduling options. Tailor your professional hours to better accommodate your personal life and commitments.

Everyday & Exclusive Perks: Complimentary workplace parking, plus exclusive access to military recreational facilities and shopping at the military exchanges.

Global Mobility: Outstanding opportunities to travel and work on projects around the world.

Launch your career with NAVFAC Pacific today—shape the future of global infrastructure and make a lasting wave of change right from the shore.

Note: Federal Agencies can only accept resumes up to two pages in length. Further information on what to include on your resume can be found here: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include