Cost Estimator V

KKCS; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 192,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a detail-oriented Cost Estimator V to support significant construction and engineering projects at a major airport. This role involves developing and reviewing Independent Cost Estimates, performing bid analyses, and leading negotiations to ensure cost control throughout the project lifecycle. The ideal candidate will possess extensive estimating experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Join a collaborative team that values integrity and quality, making a positive impact on community infrastructure while working in a hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of estimating experience in engineering and construction.
• Expertise in complex estimate reconciliations and negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of construction processes and industry practices.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Cost Estimation

Bid Analysis

Change Order Negotiation

Cost Control

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Construction Management

Certified Estimating Professional

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

On-Screen Takeoffs

Bluebeam

Prolog

Job description

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This range is provided by KKCS. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$192,600.00/yr - $197,600.00/yr

https://kkcsinc.com/

Program Management | Construction Management

Kal Krishnan Consulting Services, Inc. (KKCS), a California Corporation, is a full-service construction management and program management organization. The firm has grown steadily in size and capability since its founding in 1987, and today employs more than 95 professionals in our regional offices. KKCS has attracted a full complement of highly experienced, talented, and dedicated professionals to its staff who bring a collaborative, integrated team approach to our clients’ projects.

KKCS experience includes work on rail, airports, ports, freeways, schools, universities, facilities, water, wastewater, bridges, and roadways. Our client list includes federal agencies, state agencies, regional agencies, and private clients. KKCS has broad experience and expertise in engineering design, project management, and project controls services.

The KKCS culture is rooted in the ideals of integrity, safety, and ethical business practices, which is a commitment shared by all KKCS employees throughout our offices and project sites around the country. We have a positive impact on the communities we serve by not only improving infrastructure, but also providing service at a relatively low cost to the taxpayer. This allows more money to be available to the agencies we serve, which will inevitably be reinvested in the community. At KKCS, we value the individual employee and the importance of their contributions toward quality improvement.

Position Description Summary

KKCS is seeking an experienced and detail-driven Cost Estimator V to support construction and engineering projects at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). This position is assigned to the Airside Element within The Development Group and plays a critical role in developing and reviewing Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs), performing bid analyses, supporting change order negotiations, and maintaining cost control throughout the project lifecycle. This full-time position offers a hybrid/telework schedule from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Telework - Monday and Friday. Onsite - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Essential Job Duties

• 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 Cal Trans 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.
  
  

Professional Experience Level/Other Qualifications

• 20 years or more of general estimating experience directly related to both engineering and construction projects
• 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.
  
  

Education/Training/Certification

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field. A master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Certified estimating professional credential required.
  
  

Element-Specific Requirements/Notes

• May assume other duties as required/needed.
• This position offers a hybrid/telework schedule. Telework - Monday and Friday. Onsite - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please refer to LAWA’s Pilot Policy for details
  
  

Software Proficiency

• 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.
  
  

KKCS is an equal opportunity employer encouraging individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Construction

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