Cost Estimator

Fortiva; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical and Dental Insurance

Generous PTO

Discretionary Bonus

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy in Chicago is seeking a Cost Estimator with a strong civil engineering background. This role involves preparing detailed cost estimates, managing project budgets, and evaluating contractor bids across various sectors such as Government, Retail, and Infrastructure. The ideal candidate should have excellent analytical and communication skills, as well as full construction lifecycle experience. This is an in-office position based in Chicago.

Qualifications

• Experience within an Owner’s Representative or Consultancy environment preferred.
• Full construction lifecycle exposure from preconstruction through closeout.
• Strong communication and client-facing capabilities.
• Strong communication and client-facing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates.
• Develop and manage project budgets from early design through closeout.
• Perform quantity take-offs and cost benchmarking.
• Review drawings and collaborate closely with architects and consultants.
• Evaluate contractor bids and change orders.
• Conduct value engineering and cost risk analysis.
• Deliver professional cost reports and presentations to clients.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data-driven approach

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Job description

Chicago, IL – Cost Estimator (Civil Engineering Background Required)

We are partnering with a leading Owner’s Representative and construction Consultancy firm in Chicago seeking an experienced Cost Estimator with a strong civil engineering background.

This position supports complex capital programs across infrastructure, ground-up developments, core & shell, tenant improvements, and refurbishments. Across sectors, including but not limited to: Government, Education, Retail, Hospitality, Life Sciences, Entertainment, and Infrastructure.

Position Overview

The Cost Estimator will play a critical advisory role, supporting clients from project inception through completion. This individual must be highly analytical, methodical, data-driven, and comfortable operating in a client-facing consultancy environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates
• Develop and manage project budgets from early design through closeout
• Perform quantity take-offs and cost benchmarking
• Review drawings and collaborate closely with architects and consultants
• Evaluate contractor bids and change orders
• Conduct value engineering and cost risk analysis
• Deliver professional cost reports and presentations to clients

Required Qualifications

• Civil Engineering degree or strong civil/infrastructure background
• Experience within an Owner’s Representative or Consultancy environment preferred
• Full construction lifecycle exposure (preconstruction through closeout)
• Strong communication and client-facing capabilities

  This is an in-office role. Candidates must be based in Chicago.

  • 401(k)
  • Medical and Dental Insurance
  • Generous PTO
  • Discretionary Bonus
  • Salary truly dependent on expertise and experience