Cost Estimator

Parsons; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Parsons in Washington, DC is seeking a seasoned Cost Estimator to support a major federal construction program. You will develop IGCEs, ROM estimates, and detailed budgets for renovations and infrastructure projects, reviewing drawings and contract documents to produce accurate cost projections.

You will collaborate with government stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams, document Basis of Estimate narratives, evaluate contractor proposals and changes, and help guide negotiations to keep the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 10+ years in construction cost estimating, incl. federal projects.
• Experience with IGCEs, ROM estimates and BOE documentation.
• Ability to review drawings, proposals, and contract modifications.
• Proficiency with RSMeans, MCACES/MII, PACES or similar tools.
• Strong analytical and writing skills; MS Excel proficiency.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to meet background checks.

Responsibilities

• Develop IGCEs, ROM estimates, detailed cost estimates and budgets.
• Review drawings, specs, scopes, schedules to develop estimates.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs, pricing, equipment, subcontractor costs.
• Document Basis of Estimate narratives with methodologies and risk.
• Evaluate contractor proposals, change orders, and contract mods.
• Prepare independent cost reviews and pre-negotiation recommendations.
• Analyze cost impacts from design changes, site conditions, delays.
• Coordinate with government reps and multidisciplinary teams.
• Maintain historical cost data and cost reports.
• Support multiple projects ensuring timely, accurate estimates.

Skills

IGCE development

ROM estimates

Cost estimating

Review drawings & specs

Pricing analysis

BOE documentation

Contract modification evaluation

MS Excel

RSMeans/MCACES/MII

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

RSMeans

MCACES/MII

PACES

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next! At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.

Job Description:

Parsons is seeking a skilled and experienced professional to join a major program and construction management team supporting a Department of War customer in successfully delivering a significant construction program in the National Capital Region (Washington, DC).

In our anticipated role, Parsons will provide Owner's Agent Construction Management Services (CMa), including Program Management, Construction Management, Risk Management, Scheduling, Cost Estimating, Progress Reporting, Construction Quality Assurance, Safety, and other supporting services to achieve program success.

The Cost Estimator provides independent cost estimating, pricing analysis, and technical support to the Government throughout the planning, design, and construction phases of complex federal construction and infrastructure projects. This position is responsible for developing and reviewing cost estimates, evaluating contractor proposals and contract modifications, and supporting negotiations to ensure project costs are accurate, reasonable, and aligned with program requirements. Working closely with Government stakeholders and multidisciplinary construction management teams, the Cost Estimator supports effective cost control, risk management, and informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Develop Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates, detailed construction estimates, and budget analyses for federal construction, renovation, and infrastructure projects.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, schedules, and contract documents to develop accurate and comprehensive cost estimates.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs, labor and material pricing, equipment costs, productivity factors, subcontractor costs, and contractor markups.
• Develop and document Basis of Estimate (BOE) narratives, including estimating methodologies, assumptions, exclusions, escalation, and risk factors.
• Evaluate contractor proposals, change orders, Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), and contract modifications for cost reasonableness and compliance with contract requirements.
• Prepare independent cost reviews, pricing analyses, and pre-negotiation recommendations to support Government contract negotiations.
• Analyze cost impacts associated with design changes, differing site conditions, schedule delays, and construction modifications.
• Coordinate with Government representatives, project managers, schedulers, engineers, and construction managers to validate project costs and identify potential financial risks.
• Maintain historical cost data, develop cost reports, and provide recommendations to support project budgeting and financial management.
• Support multiple concurrent projects while ensuring timely delivery of accurate estimates and technical analyses.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Business, or a related field, or equivalent construction-related experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in construction cost estimating, including federal construction or infrastructure programs.
• Demonstrated experience developing detailed construction estimates, IGCEs, ROM estimates, quantity takeoffs, and Basis of Estimate documentation.
• Experience reviewing construction drawings, specifications, contractor proposals, contract modifications, and associated pricing documentation.
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, labor and material costs, equipment pricing, productivity factors, and contractor markups.
• Experience evaluating contractor cost proposals, change orders, and construction cost impacts.
• Proficiency with construction estimating software such as RSMeans, MCACES/MII, PACES, Bluebeam Revu, or comparable applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and technical writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet project deadlines, and coordinate effectively with Government stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and able to satisfy applicable federal background investigation requirements.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

• Experience supporting Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), or similar federal construction and facilities programs.
• Familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and federal con