Cost Estimator

D'Leon Consulting Engineers; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

D'Leon Consulting Engineers seeks a detail-oriented Construction Cost Estimator to support capital improvement projects in Seattle, WA. Responsibilities include preparing and evaluating cost estimates for changes, analyzing labor, material, and equipment costs, and supporting negotiations with stakeholders.

The role requires strong analytical skills, experience with estimating software, and the ability to interpret contracts, drawings, and specifications to ensure accurate, defendable estimates.

Qualifications

• Experience preparing and reviewing detailed construction cost estimates for large-scale infrastructure or capital improvement projects.
• Strong knowledge of estimating principles, quantity takeoffs, labor/material pricing, and cost analysis.
• Experience evaluating change orders and preparing independent cost estimates for contract modifications.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, and change documentation.
• Familiarity with GMP, MACC, and alternative project delivery estimating practices.

Responsibilities

• Review contractor quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and documentation for accuracy.
• Prepare detailed independent cost estimates for proposed contract changes (labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, productivity).
• Use estimating software, cost databases, and historical data to develop defensible estimates.
• Prepare MACC and GMP estimates for alternative project delivery methods.
• Develop task estimates with labor/equipment rates, unit costs, and productivity assumptions.
• Document historical cost data and maintain estimating records.
• Review contracts/drawings to identify cost impacts and changes.

Skills

Cost estimation

Change order evaluation

Contract documents

Labor and material pricing

Estimating software

Tools

Estimating software

Cost databases

Labor productivity manuals

Job description

D'Leon Consulting Engineers is seeking a Construction Inspector in Seattle, WA.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Construction Cost Estimator to support construction management and capital improvement projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing, reviewing, and evaluating detailed construction cost estimates for contract changes, alternative delivery projects, and ongoing construction activities. This role requires strong knowledge of construction means and methods, labor and material pricing, cost estimating practices, change order evaluation, and contract documents. The Cost Estimator will work closely with Resident Engineers (REs), construction management staff, contractors, and project stakeholders to develop accurate estimates and support change order negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Review contractor-prepared quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and supporting documentation for mathematical, technical, and contractual accuracy.
• Prepare detailed independent cost estimates for proposed contract changes, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor costs, productivity factors, and other applicable construction costs.
• Utilize construction industry-standard estimating software, cost databases, labor productivity manuals, and historical cost information to develop accurate and defensible estimates.
• Prepare Maximum Allowable Construction Cost (MACC) and Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) estimates for alternative project delivery methods, as required.
• Develop and summarize task and subtask estimates, including quantity takeoffs, labor rates, equipment rates, unit costs, productivity assumptions, and mathematical calculations using appropriate industry-standard factors.
• Accumulate, evaluate, and document historical construction cost data, construction procedures, and means and methods to maintain current estimating standards and cost databases.
• Review construction contracts, drawings, specifications, change documentation, and contract modifications to determine scope of work and identify changes impacting project costs.
• Research current equipment, labor, and material pricing to establish appropriate unit costs and support estimate development.
• Review contractor daily reports and other construction documentation to evaluate field activities, labor, equipment, and construction methods relevant to cost development.
• Provide technical guidance to Resident Engineers and construction management staff in the preparation, review, revision, and production of construction cost estimates.
• Conduct site visits as needed to evaluate existing conditions, understand construction constraints, and assess additional costs or credits associated with changes in the work.
• Participate in meetings with project stakeholders to review and clarify change order scope, quantities, assumptions, construction methods, and cost impacts.
• Evaluate contractor change order proposals and provide recommendations to the Resident Engineer regarding cost reasonableness, potential discrepancies, and negotiation strategy.
• Support the Resident Engineer during contractor negotiations by providing detailed cost analyses, supporting documentation, and technical estimating expertise.
• Prepare cost estimates, cost analyses, estimate summaries, and other construction records as requested by the Construction Management Manager and/or Resident Engineer.
• Maintain organized and accurate estimating documentation to support project records, change management, negotiations, and potential audits.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience preparing and reviewing detailed construction cost estimates for large-scale infrastructure, transportation, aviation, public works, or similar capital improvement projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction estimating principles, quantity takeoffs, labor productivity, material and equipment pricing, construction means and methods, and cost analysis.
• Experience evaluating contractor change order proposals and preparing independent cost estimates for contract modifications.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, change documentation, and other technical project documents.
• Familiarity with Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), Maximum Allowable Construction Cost (MACC), and alternative project delivery estimating practices is preferred.
• Proficiency with construction industry-standard estimating software, cost databases, spreadsheets, and other cost management tools.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with the ability to develop detailed and defensible cost estimates.
• Knowledge of construction contracts, change management, cost negotiations, and contractor pricing methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate estimating assumptions, findings, and recommendations to project stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate estimating records and supporting documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Resident Engineers, construction managers, contractors, designers, and project stakeholders.
• Ability to visit active construction sites as required to evaluate existing conditions and understand the scope and cost impacts of proposed changes.