Cost Estimator

Lagrange; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Idaho Falls is seeking an experienced Cost Estimator to support the SFHP project at the Idaho National Laboratory. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of cost estimating experience in construction or DOE environments, with a strong understanding of federal standards and proficiency in cost estimation tools. The role involves preparing cost estimates, analyzing changes, and coordinating with various teams. Occasional travel is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of cost estimating experience in construction or DOE project environments.
• Proficiency in developing detailed and conceptual cost estimates.
• Strong understanding of federal contract requirements and change management processes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review detailed cost estimates for engineering and construction activities.
• Support development and pricing of Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs).
• Analyze scope changes to determine cost and schedule impacts.

Skills

Cost estimating experience

Construction means and methods knowledge

Proficiency in Excel

Excellent communication skills

Education

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

Tools

RSMeans

Power BI

Sage

Job description

Location: Idaho Falls, ID (Amentum Office)

Project Site: INL SFHP – Approx. 55 miles from Idaho Falls

Travel: Occasional travel required to project site

Position Overview

The Cost Estimator will provide detailed cost estimating, analysis, and support for the SFHP project at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This position plays a key role in the evaluation and documentation of project changes, Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), and claims development.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of construction means and methods, federal estimating standards, and cost engineering principles. The role requires coordination with engineering, procurement, and project controls to ensure all cost estimates are developed with a clear basis, traceable assumptions, and alignment with DOE and NQA-1 quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and review detailed cost estimates for engineering design, construction, and change management activities.
• Support development and pricing of Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs) and contract change proposals in compliance with DOE and federal acquisition standards.
• Analyze scope changes, design revisions, and field conditions to determine cost and schedule impacts.
• Coordinate with Project Controls, Engineering, and Procurement to collect and validate quantity takeoffs, labor rates, and material pricing.
• Develop and maintain estimate basis documentation, assumptions, and cost breakdown structures (CBS).
• Perform cost reconciliation between baseline estimates, budgets, and actual expenditures.
• Support risk assessments and contingency development using deterministic and probabilistic methods.
• Participate in constructability reviews and provide feedback on cost and labor implications of proposed design changes.
• Assist with benchmarking and historical cost analysis to improve estimate accuracy and forecasting.
• Prepare estimate summaries and cost reports for management review and client submission.
• Interface with Legal Counsel and Project Controls on cost substantiation for REAs and claims defense.
• Support independent cost reviews, DOE audits, and change control board (CCB) evaluations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of cost estimating experience in construction, industrial, or DOE project environments
• Proficiency in developing detailed and conceptual cost estimates using recognized industry methodologies (e.g., RSMeans, Aspen, Sage, or Cleopatra Enterprise)
• Strong understanding of federal contract requirements, change management processes, and FAR/DFARS guidelines
• Experience preparing cost estimates for design, procurement, and field construction activities
• Advanced skills in Excel, Power BI, and estimating databases for data-driven cost analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including cost justification and presentation to senior management

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting DOE, DOD, or federal construction projects
• Familiarity with NQA-1 quality assurance and DOE Order 413.3B cost control requirements
• Working knowledge of earned value management (EVM) and integration of cost with schedule performance
• Background in REAs, claims, and forensic cost analysis for scope and productivity impacts
• Professional certifications such as CCE (Certified Cost Estimator), CCP (Certified Cost Professional), or PMP
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work breakdown structures (WBS) for cost development

Additional Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen (dual citizenship not permitted)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a basic security clearance
• Occasional travel (~55 miles) to the INL SFHP site for coordination and field verification activities