Cost Estimator

HGA; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 74,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

HGA is seeking a Cost Estimator to join the Allied Disciplines team in Minneapolis MN or Milwaukee WI. This role partners with the Sr.

Cost Estimating Manager to expand estimating capabilities, support client‑facing cost information, and strengthen internal workflows across market sectors. You will develop estimates across design phases, perform quantity takeoffs, price labor/materials, and apply MasterFormat standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; certifications are a plus.
• 5+ years in cost estimating or cost engineering.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate data into insights.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency with estimating software and cost databases.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual, ROM, schematic, design development, and CD estimates.
• Interpret drawings to develop detailed estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing.
• Organize estimates with MasterFormat/UniFormat.
• Reconcile estimates at milestones and identify changes.
• Value engineering and cost optimization studies.
• Conduct risk analysis and integrate into cost models.
• Mentor project design team members.
• Communicate estimate assumptions clearly to audiences.

Skills

Cost estimating

Analytical thinking

Verbal & written communication

Client engagement

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Finance/Construction Management/Business

Advanced degree or certifications (AACE/ICEAA)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Bluebeam

OnCenter

WinEst

Job description

Overview:

Cost Estimator

Locations: Minneapolis MN or Milwaukee, WI

HGA’s Allied Disciplines team is seeking a Cost Estimator who thrives at the intersection of technical rigor, data‑driven decision‑making, and relationship‑building. In this role, you will partner closely with the Sr. Cost Estimating Manager and the Director of Allied Disciplines to expand our estimating capabilities and strengthen both internal workflows and client‑facing processes. Our cost estimators are integral to our project teams, working on projects in offices across the country and across market sectors.

If you’re energized by shaping strategy, elevating standards, and influencing high‑impact decisions across an integrated design practice, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful mark. This role is ideal for an estimator who combines strong technical estimating skills with the ability to clearly communicate cost information and influence project decisions.

In this role you will:

• Coordinate and independently develop conceptual, ROM, schematic design, design development, and construction document estimates across multiple project types and market sectors.
• Interpret architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and other construction documents to develop detailed and comprehensive estimates.
• Perform and oversee quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and vendor pricing.
• Organize estimates in accordance with MasterFormat and UniFormat to maintain clear, consistent, and traceable estimate documentation.
• Reconcile estimates at major design milestones and identify changes in scope, quantities, pricing, and project assumptions.
• Perform value engineering and cost optimization studies and provide recommendations to project teams.
• Apply acquired knowledge of construction processes, materials, and industry best practices.
• Conduct risk analysis and integrate findings into cost models.
• Utilize AIA/CSI contract standards and understand core engineering principles.
• Perform data analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and cost modeling.
• Apply analytical reasoning to precisely interpret contract drawings and specifications, adjust estimate factors, and resolve discrepancies.
• Periodically audit estimates prepared by others to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Provide guidance to and mentor project design team members to elevate overall team performance and engagement with Allied Disciplines Cost Estimating.
• Clearly communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, cost drivers, risks, and opportunities to both technical and non-technical audiences.

You will need to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Construction Management, Business, or related field; advanced degree or certifications (e.g., AACE, ICEAA) are a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in cost estimating, cost engineering, or financial modeling, ideally in an architecture or engineering firm, or with a General Contractor.
• CPE preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, comfortable engaging with project teams, leadership, clients, and contractors.
• Proficiency with estimating software, cost databases, and financial analysis tools including MicroSoft Office, Bluebeam, OnCenter, WinEst or similar estimating software.

What will make you successful:

• You are an estimator first; you enjoy building the estimate and understanding what is driving the number.
• You can move between detailed estimating work and high‑level client conversations without losing credibility in either setting.
• You can take a complex estimate and explain it to a client or internal team in a way that is clear, concise, and actionable.
• You understand that a good estimate is more than a number — it is a decision‑making tool.
• You are collaborative, accountable, and willing to take ownership of the estimate from development through presentation and final reconciliation.
• You are interested in helping build a stronger estimating practice while continuing to grow as a technical estimator and trusted cost advisor.

Salary Information:

The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $74,100 - $96,300 depending on qualifications and experience.

Additional Information:

At HGA, you’ll do the best work of your career. We design with impact by diving deep into the people and passions that shape every place. Empathy fuels us, curiosity drives us, and meaningful work leads to innovation. We celebrate individuality, embrace flexibility, and thrive together in the office three days a week.

Join our nationally recognized, award‑winning team of architects, engineers, and interior designers — help us shape what’s next.

Learn more about us here.