Cost Estimator Supervisor

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; Virginia; On-site; USD 133,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority seeks a Cost Estimator Supervisor to lead cost estimating for capital construction programs at DCA and IAD. You will oversee estimates, cost forecasts, and data analyses, ensuring accuracy and consistency across project life cycles.

Requires eight years of cost estimating experience, strong supervision skills, and expertise in Excel and estimating software. PE license preferred but not required; position located at MWAA offices with opportunities across

Qualifications

• Eight years of progressively responsible experience in analyzing and estimating costs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cost estimating principles, methods, and contingencies.
• Ability to prepare and validate independent estimates, budgets, and change costs.

Responsibilities

• Directs staff in cost estimating, analysis, and forecasting for capital projects.
• Supports development and maintenance of estimating standards and procedures.
• Provides technical direction to estimators and contractors in preparing Design to Estimates and change notices.

Skills

Cost estimation

Budgeting

Team supervision

Change management

Risk analysis

Contract review

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Civil/Structural Eng

Construction Management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Compensation Grade:

S23

Salary Range:

$133,238.00-$193,195.00

Opening Date:

October 30, 2026

Closing Date:

November 14, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

Cost Estimator Supervisor

As a Cost Estimator Supervisor, you will oversee the development, review, and management of project cost estimates, cost impact analyses, and cost forecasts for the Airports Authority's construction projects/programs. You will ensure the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of cost information throughout the project life cycle.

Serves in the Engineering Project Management and Controls Department of the Office of Engineering. Offices are located at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Through subordinate staff, consultants, contractors, and/or personally, and in collaboration with the Department Manager, provides a wide range of cost estimating functions, including verification (or origination) of independent cost estimates, cost impact analysis, cost analysis, statistical business case analysis, and cost forecasting functions in support of the planning and management of the Capital Construction Program (CCP), Capital Operating and Maintenance Investment Program (COMIP), Dulles Corridor Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Dulles Corridor Repair and Rehabilitation (R&R) Program. Performs related duties.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Directs and monitors staff that analyzes, appraises, and forecasts schedules; conducts cost estimating; performs management information functions; and executes general administrative tasks.

Supports the Engineering Project Management and Controls Manager in developing and maintaining cost estimating standards, procedures, and capabilities, including the preparation and/or evaluation of change estimates

Provides technical direction to staff, consultants, Architectural and Engineering (A/E) estimators, and construction contractors in preparing and validating all Design to Estimates (DTEs), initial construction bid estimates, and change notices cost estimates.

Supervises and reviews independent cost estimates prepared by staff and consultants for project development, budget preparation, and construction changes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with established standards.

Oversees Cost Estimators' collaboration with project managers, project administrators, and Design Department and Construction Department personnel to coordinate and verify project metrics, project actuals, contract commitments, and business case/cost justifications.

Determines the cost and impacts related to change control on capital projects. Reviews contract documentation and contract modifications to determine scope of work and/or scope changes related to budget and schedules.

Reviews and offers technical expertise for compiling and reviewing Request for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), and the responses from offerors to assess completeness, reasonableness, and compliance with project requirements.

Reviews and reconciles budget estimates, independent cost estimates, construction and design change estimates, and supports the development of cost-benefit analyses including Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCE) and Analyses of Alternatives (AoA), to aid management budgetary decisions.

Supports the development and implementation of statistical analyses for cost estimates based on a risk analysis for construction estimates, considering such factors as work scope, criticality and timelines, and associated market factors on labor and materials.

Reviews project risks to develop an adequate contingency level on the associated projects and provides narrative explanations for risk levels and the project's risk rating.

Maintains knowledge of industry expert forecasts, as well as current leading economic indicators, and benefit indicators on construction labor, and other econometric indicators that impact potential estimating assumptions in support of Airport Authority projects.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Eight years of progressively responsible experience in analyzing and estimating costs of design and construction projects. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Comprehensive knowledge of project and construction cost estimating principles and methodologies, including conceptual, design-phase, bid-phase, and construction-phase estimates; quantity takeoffs; labor, material, and equipment pricing; indirect costs; escalation; markups; and contingencies.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices, including work planning, workload management, staff development, performance evaluation, and resource allocation..

Ability to prepare, review, reconcile, and validate independent estimates, budgets, contractor bids/proposals, and change estimates; assess proposed costs and supporting documentation; and develop defensible recommendations.

Ability to evaluate contractor and consultant proposals, construction claims, contract modifications, and change orders; identify omissions and discrepancies; and assess financial and schedule impacts.

Knowledge of and ability to apply cost estimating standards, classification systems, and industry best practices, including Uniformat and CSI MasterFormat, as well as quality assurance, quality control, cost risk assessment, contingency development, escalation, value engineering, and life-cycle cost analysis.

Comprehensive knowledge of engineering, with emphasis on civil and structural engineering and construction project management, and the ability to analyze cost and schedule impacts on detailed project cost estimates and analyses.

Knowledge of A/E design and project management practices, construction delivery methods, industry cost indices, economic indicators, and construction market conditions. and ability to apply it to ensure that project costs are quantified and priced in accordance with current and projected market conditions.

Knowledge of and ability to use information management systems, electronic document control systems, and historical cost databases, with the ability to maintain accurate records and management reports.

Ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to validate scope, quantities, cost data, expenditures, and budget requirements.

Ability to manage multiple assignments, establish priorities, meet deadlines, exercise sound judgment, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.

Ability to speak and write effectively with the ability to analyze complex technical and financial data, identify trends and variances, evaluate alternatives, prepare technical reports and presentations while explaining estimating assumptions, methodologies, and recommendations effective to both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Skill in using a computer and modern office suite software, particularly advanced Microsoft Excel, and the ability to use construction estimating, quantity takeoff, scheduling, and project controls software applications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE).

Certification as a Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) from AACE International, or a Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) from the American Society of Professional Estimators or a fully equivalent certification.

Knowledge of airport facilities, aviation infrastructure, and operational constraints, including terminals, concourses, airfields, pavements, roadways, utilities, baggage systems, security requirements, construction phasing, and maintaining airport operations during construction.

EDUCATION

A Bachelor's Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, Construction Management, or in a related field.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver's license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit).

May be subject to adverse weather conditions, dust, grease, dirt, loud noise, and hazards common to the airport environment and construction industry when visiting work sites. Wears personal protective gear, as necessary.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

Work requires moderate physical exertion (lifting objects up to 25 pounds).

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family's health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits packagehere.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.