Cost Estimator, Construction Management & Engineering Support Services (CM&E SS), U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), Multiple Locations, (Proposal Position)
Tetra Tech
A complete application in a minute
Tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.
Job summary
Tetra Tech in United States, Virginia, is seeking a Cost Estimator to support the OBO Construction Management & Engineering Services contract. You will develop IGEs, perform comprehensive cost estimates, and analyze market costs to inform budgeting and program decisions.
Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and government staff to ensure estimates reflect scope, risks, and schedule. A Final Secret clearance is required and prior federal construction experience is preferred.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or a closely related technical discipline.
- Minimum seven (7) years of experience in construction cost estimating, cost engineering, project controls, or related functions on active vertical construction projects.
- Final Secret Security Clearance required.
- Experience preparing and reviewing construction cost estimates.
- Knowledge of construction means and methods, cost estimating methodologies, and cost analysis techniques.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Develop Independent Government Estimates (IGEs) for construction, renovation, repair, and infrastructure projects.
- Prepare conceptual, parametric, schematic, design-development, and detailed construction cost estimates.
- Review contractor proposals, bids, change orders, and Requests for Equitable Adjustments (REAs).
- Analyze construction costs, labor rates, material pricing, equipment costs, and market conditions.
- Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and design documents.
- Develop cost models, cost databases, and historical cost information to support project planning and budgeting.
- Support risk assessments and contingency analyses related to project costs.
- Evaluate cost impacts associated with design changes, scope modifications, and schedule adjustments.
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, project controls personnel, construction managers, and government stakeholders.
- Prepare cost reports, estimates, analyses, and executive briefings.
- Support value engineering studies and constructability reviews.
- Maintain cost estimating documentation in accordance with OBO requirements.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry‑leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting‑edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry‑leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting‑edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting‑edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world‑class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
The OBO Construction Management & Engineering Support Services (CM&E SS) contract provides professional construction management, engineering, inspection, project controls, scheduling, risk management, cost estimating, and related technical services supporting OBO's worldwide facilities design and construction program. Services may be performed at OBO headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, at domestic support locations, or at overseas diplomatic facilities during project planning, design, and construction phases.
The contract supports the delivery, renovation, modernization, assessment, and maintenance of U.S. diplomatic facilities worldwide, including embassies, consulates, annexes, utility infrastructure, and other secure government facilities.
The Cost Estimator provides professional cost estimating and cost analysis services supporting OBO's worldwide facilities design and construction program. The Cost Estimator develops, reviews, and validates construction cost estimates throughout project planning, design, procurement, and construction phases to support project budgeting, funding decisions, risk evaluation, and overall program execution.
This position works closely with project managers, engineers, construction managers, and government personnel to ensure cost estimates accurately reflect project scope, schedule, market conditions, and project risks.
- Develop Independent Government Estimates (IGEs) for construction, renovation, repair, and infrastructure projects.
- Prepare conceptual, parametric, schematic, design-development, and detailed construction cost estimates.
- Review contractor proposals, bids, change order requests, and Requests for Equitable Adjustments (REAs).
- Analyze construction costs, labor rates, material pricing, equipment costs, and market conditions.
- Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and design documents.
- Develop cost models, cost databases, and historical cost information to support project planning and budgeting.
- Support risk assessments and contingency analyses related to project costs.
- Evaluate cost impacts associated with design changes, scope modifications, and schedule adjustments.
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, project controls personnel, construction managers, and government stakeholders.
- Prepare cost reports, estimates, analyses, and executive briefings.
- Support value engineering studies and constructability reviews.
- Maintain cost estimating documentation in accordance with OBO requirements.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or a closely related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
- Minimum seven (7) years of experience in construction cost estimating, cost engineering, project controls, construction management, or related functions on active vertical construction projects.
- Possess a minimum Final Secret Security Clearance.
- Demonstrated experience preparing and reviewing construction cost estimates.
- Knowledge of construction means and methods, cost estimating methodologies, and cost analysis techniques.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), or similar certification.
- Experience supporting federal construction programs.
- Experience supporting overseas construction projects.
- Experience developing Independent Government Estimates (IGEs).
- Experience supporting embassies, consulates, secure government facilities, or other complex vertical construction projects.
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market‑competitive benefits.
- Merit‑based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company‑wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high‑end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science ® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs
U.S. Teams and Clients
Institutional Strengthening and Localization (International Development)
Stabilization (International Development)
- Organization: 174 PRT
'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M101.744%2012.4726L102.894%2016.1947L99.0021%2013.2201L101.744%2012.4726ZM105.3%208.40937H100.488L99.0026%203.59473L97.5116%208.41047L92.7%208.40385L96.5965%2011.3834L95.1055%2016.1942L99.0021%2013.2196L101.408%2011.3834L105.3%208.40992V8.40937Z'%20fill='white'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='paint0_linear_5593_1381'%20x1='90'%20y1='9.44471'%20x2='99'%20y2='9.44471'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%2300AD70'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='0.998594'%20stop-color='%2300B67A'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='1'%20stop-color='%23DCDCE6'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
