Cost Engineer/Estimator - Utilities

AcceleratedPM; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelerated PM is seeking a Cost Engineer/Estimator to join our gas utilities team in Atlanta, GA. The role is hybrid (4 days on site, 1 day remote) and focuses on developing accurate cost estimates and supporting budget preparation.

You will analyze data, collaborate with engineering, procurement and construction teams, and manage project budgets and cost reports through the lifecycle. Energy-sector experience and strong Excel skills are preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating/cost engineering experience required.
• Experience with major estimating platforms (Aspen, WinEst, HeavyBid, InEight, Cleopatra, Timberline).
• Strong MS Excel and MS Office skills (Access, PowerPoint, Word).
• Understanding of gas utility project components (pipelines, stations, infrastructure).

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for gas utility projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and overhead.
• Analyze historical data and market trends to improve cost prediction accuracy.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and construction teams for input on estimates.
• Develop and maintain project budgets throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor cost performance and identify overruns or cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain a library of cost data, standards, and tools for reference and improvement.
• Ensure estimates comply with industry regulations, company standards, and client requirements.
• Prepare monthly accruals and forecast reports and review with stakeholders and Finance.
• Develop and manage project cost reports comparing budgets, committed, actual, and forecasted costs.
• Conduct monthly variance analysis to drive budgeting improvements.
• Assist in annual planning and budgeting at portfolio level.
• Coordinate with scheduling to reflect schedule impacts in cost forecasts/reports.
• Review invoices and pay apps for accuracy and contract compliance.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field

Tools

Aspen

WinEst

HeavyBid

InEight

Cleopatra

Timberline

Oracle ERP

Job description

Job Title: Cost Engineer/Estimator - Utilities

Company: Accelerated PM

Job Type: Hybrid (4 days on site, 1 day remote)

Job Location: Atlanta, GA

Qualifications:

• Estimating/Cost Engineering experience: 5+ yrs (required)

Accelerated PM is searching for a skilled and motivated Cost Engineer/Estimator to join our team in the gas utilities sector. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing accurate cost estimates, supporting budget preparation and carrying out cost management duties for gas utility projects. This position requires energy sector experience, attention to detail, and strong analytical skills.

Location/Travel:

This is a hybrid role requiring 4 days a week on site (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu) in Atlanta, GA.

Duties and responsibilities could include:

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for gas utility projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and overhead.
• Analyze historical data and market trends to enhance accuracy in cost predictions.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and construction teams to gather input for accurate estimates.
• Assist in developing and maintaining project budgets throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor cost performance and identify potential overruns or cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain a library of cost data, standards, and tools for reference and improvement.
• Ensure all cost estimates comply with industry regulations, company standards, and client requirements.
• Prepare monthly accruals and forecast reports and review with stakeholders and the Finance team.
• Develop and manage project cost reports including the evaluation of committed, actual and forecasted costs against budgets.
• Conduct detailed monthly variance analysis and use findings to drive improvements in future budgeting and forecasting.
• Play a key role annual planning and budgeting at the portfolio level.
• Work closely with the scheduling team to ensure schedule impacts are reflected accurately in the cost forecast/reports.
• Carry out reviews of invoices/pay applications of select vendors and subcontractors to ensure accuracy and contract compliance.

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in cost engineering or estimating, preferably in the energy or gas utilities sector.
• Experience with a major estimating platform (Aspen, WinEst, HeavyBid, InEight, Cleopatra, Timberline, etc.).
• Strong understanding of gas utility project components, including pipelines, stations, and infrastructure.
• Experience working with ERP systems, ideally Oracle.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong MS Excel skills + other MS Office products (Access, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook).

Beneficial Experiences

• Relevant AACE or PMI certifications

Salary: $125-135k annually depending on experience & qualifications

Work location: Atlanta, GA (4 days on site, 1 remote)