Cost Estimator IV

Cordoba Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Cost Estimator IV to join their dynamic team in California. This role involves preparing and reviewing cost estimates for a major airport project, ensuring accuracy and credibility throughout all phases from planning to construction. The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive experience in engineering and construction to analyze costs, negotiate with contractors, and provide valuable insights to the project team. Join this forward-thinking firm and contribute to impactful infrastructure projects that shape the future of California.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k with Employer Match

Generous Vacation and Sick Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Holidays

Well-being Benefits

Qualifications

• 15+ years in estimating related to engineering and construction.
• Certified estimating professional credential required.
• Experience managing a team of cost estimators.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review cost estimates for airport projects.
• Lead negotiations with contractors and subcontractors.
• Analyze bids and ensure alignment with estimates.

Skills

Cost Estimating

Negotiation Skills

Construction Knowledge

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

On-Screen Takeoffs

Bluebeam

Prolog

Job description

Overview

Cordoba Corporation is a leading engineering and design firm based in California. We are seeking a Cost Estimator IV to support an airport project within the Facilities Sector. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing and reviewing independent cost estimates throughout all project phases—planning, design, and construction. This includes developing detailed estimates from conceptual data or engineering drawings, analyzing labor, materials, and equipment costs, and identifying constructability issues. The role involves reconciling estimates with third-party data, collaborating on cost alignment, and supporting bid analysis to ensure accurate and credible project budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare Independent Cost Estimates to support projects during planning, design and construction.
• Prepare and/or review final Engineer’s estimate including factors such as Phasing, Airport Operations, Shift , Resources, Time Constraints and Badging impacts.
• Develop a detailed and Independent Cost Estimate from conceptual information and/or engineering drawings.
• Prepare detailed estimates comprising labor hours/composite crew costs, itemized material costs and Equipment cost.
• Provide Constructability Reports to proactively identify deficiencies and ambiguities; and actively assist the project team to develop a credible cost budget.
• Actively reconcile independent cost estimates with those prepared by third parties; engage the third-party entities in an informative, collaborative reconciliation; and communicate the results of the reconciliation effort.
• Ability to analyze bids from vendors, contractors and subcontractors and align with Independent Cost Estimate.
• Determining what factors of production will influence the cost of work.
• Having the ability to identify necessary field equipment needed by contractors.
• Presenting prepared estimates to management and other stakeholders.
• Lead Negotiation Meetings with contractors and subcontractors.
• Prepare and review material take-offs from planning documents or engineering drawings.
• Prepare detailed breakdown of components and elements of estimates for systems and subsystems.
• Accumulate, evaluate and document historical cost data for the development of future estimates.
• Review contract documents and contract modifications to determine scope of work and equitable cost allowance for scope changes.

Assist and/or lead in Change Order negotiations including:

• Review Contractor Potential Change Order Claims for Merit and negotiate to final resolution.
• Review the proposal and assist with the determination of merit.
• Conduct Weekly Estimate Review Meetings of Contractor Potential Change Notices and prepare Meeting Minutes.
• Review the scope specified within the proposal to ensure it includes the appropriate scope.
• Review the labor rates to ensure conformance to the contract specifications, and LAWA approved rates.
• Become thoroughly familiar with required contractual obligations, technical aspects of all construction work including Allowances, Bid Line Items and new scope of work.
• Review quantities and ensure there is a fair and reasonable representation of additional scope,as well as possible credits.
• Review the material pricing and validate against R.S. Means for other pricing references.
• Review pre-purchased material or equipment and/or equipment rental rates against fair and reasonable pricing references using contract blue book and or CalTrans Rates.
• Review contractor mark-ups to ensure that the correct mark-ups are being used and that any mark-up caps are not exceeded.
• Discuss the LAWA position after the contractor established their position.
• Determine points of disagreement and path to resolution. Adopt a reasonable, but contractual attitude.
• Develop the record of negotiation documentation and provide an Independent Cost Estimate.
• Provide coordination and liaison with project management and project engineering personnel throughout the estimate development.
• Prepare required reports and correspondence.

Qualifications

• 15 years or more in general estimating experience directly related to both engineering and construction projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is preferred.
• Certified estimating professional credential required.
• Experience managing a team of cost estimators
• Demonstrated experience with complex estimate reconciliations and change order negotiations.
• Demonstrated experience in getting independent estimates from vendors/contractors as check estimates against contractor proposal estimated costs and negotiations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of construction-related processes, as well as a thorough knowledge of industry practices.
• Self-starter attitude with proved results-oriented focus.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Must possess the ability to effectively interact with various departments to maintain open lines of communication.
• Comfortable operating in a team-oriented, collaborative work environment.
• Produce accurate and timely results while maintaining a customer service attitude.
• Must be detail oriented and highly organized.
• Demonstrated experience working on multiple projects at the same time.
• Experience working with outside agencies i.e., FAA, General Services division, LADBS, LADWP,etc.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with On-Screen Takeoffs and Bluebeam.
• Knowledge of Prolog and other Project Management Systems is preferred.

Salary Range: $160,000 to $181,000 per year

Location: Los Angeles, CA.

Work Environment: This position offers a hybrid/telework schedule. Telework - Monday and Friday. Onsite - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Our Company

Cordoba Corporation: Building Excellence in Infrastructure!

Cordoba Corporation is a nationally recognized civil engineering, construction management, program management, and planning firm. Our expertise spans diverse sectors, including education and facilities, transportation, water, and energy. Collaborating closely with our clients, we have successfully delivered complex and high-impact infrastructure projects across California.

National Recognition- Cordoba’s efforts have garnered national acclaim. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently ranked us as a “top 100 construction management firm” and a “top 50 program management firm.” Additionally, ENR recognized Cordoba as a “top 100 design firm” in California in 2018. Our business model emphasizes efficiency, fostering a dynamic work environment. We approach projects with multifaceted strategies, ensuring successful outcomes.

Statewide Presence- With headquarters in Los Angeles, Cordoba maintains a strong statewide presence. Our offices extend to San Francisco, Sacramento, San Ramon, Chatsworth, Santa Ana, Ontario, and San Diego.

Cordoba Corporation: Enhancing Employee Well-Being!

Benefits and Perks:We offer multiple medical and dental insurance plans, as well as vision insurance. Plans are subsidized for both employees and dependents with coverage effective the first month after hire. Additionally, Cordoba provides employer paid AD&D and life insurance, a 401k with an industry leading employer match, generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 9 paid holidays, and other forms of paid time off. We also offer flexible spending accounts (FSA’s) including medical care reimbursement, dependent care reimbursement, and commuter benefit plans. Employees are also eligible for our employee assistance program and well-being benefits that include stress management, nutrition, and financial well-being.

Cordoba Corporation provides equal employment opportunities, promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Harassment-Free Workplace: We strictly prohibit workplace harassment based on any factor, including race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Cordoba is committed to fostering a healthy and happy lifestyle for our employees, both within and beyond the workplace.

For inquiries or accommodations, please contact our HR Department at: [phone].

Join Cordoba Corporation and be part of shaping California’s future!

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