Environmental Engineer 5 - Cost Estimating

CDM Smith; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a highly experienced Environmental Engineer (Level 5) focused on cost estimating to support complex remediation and civil projects in Michigan. You will lead detailed estimates across planning, design and construction, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to build defensible cost models.

The role requires a civil/environmental/chemical engineering degree, a PE license, and at least 7 years of related experience; some travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Detailed cost estimating across planning, design and construction phases.
• Strong knowledge of CERCLA, RCRA and remediation processes.
• Experience with site remediation methods and civil infrastructure construction.
• Proficiency with MCACES MII or equivalent cost estimating tools.
• Excellent analytical, communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of detailed cost estimates for environmental remediation and civil infrastructure projects.
• Develop cost estimates during CERCLA and RCRA feasibility studies, evaluating remedial alternatives.
• Prepare cost estimates to support project authorization, budgeting, and bid evaluations.
• Utilize MCACES MII and advanced Excel models to generate defensible estimates.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate design elements into cost models.
• Provide cost risk analysis, assumptions documentation, and estimate validation.
• Support construction phase activities, including change order evaluations and cost tracking.

Skills

Cost estimating

Environmental remediation

CERCLA knowledge

RCRA knowledge

Excel modeling

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or Chemical Engineering

PE license

Tools

MCACES MII

Job description

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (https://www.cdmsmith.com/resources/videos/meet-cdm-smith)

Join Us! CDM Smith - where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Environmental Engineer (Level 5) with a strong emphasis on cost estimating to support complex environmental remediation and civil works projects. This role will lead the development of detailed cost estimates across all phases of project delivery, including planning, feasibility study, design, and construction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead preparation of detailed cost estimates for environmental remediation and civil infrastructure projects.
• Develop cost estimates during CERCLA and RCRA feasibility studies, including evaluation of remedial alternatives and lifecycle cost comparisons.
• Prepare cost estimates to support project authorization, budgeting, and contractor bid evaluations.
• Utilize cost estimating tools such as Micro-Computer Aided Cost Estimating System (MCACES), Second Generation (MII) and advanced Excel-based models to generate accurate and defensible estimates.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate technical design elements into comprehensive cost models.
• Participate in value engineering studies to evaluate cost efficiencies and optimize project delivery.
• Provide cost risk analysis, assumptions documentation, and estimate validation to support decision-making.
• Support construction phase activities, including change order evaluations and cost tracking.

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated experience preparing cost estimates across planning, design, and construction phases.
• Strong working knowledge of CERCLA, RCRA, and environmental remediation processes.
• Strong understanding of site remediation methods and construction practices.
• Proficiency with cost estimating tools such as MCACES MII or equivalent platforms.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or Chemical Engineering or related discipline. Professional engineering (PE) license. 7 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Superfund and hazardous waste site remediation, including contaminated soil and groundwater.
• Mining site remediation and complex terrain projects requiring slope stabilization, waste consolidation, and multi-layer cover systems.
• Civil infrastructure construction including floodwalls, levees, pump stations, pipelines, roads and bridges.
• Experience working with federal/state regulatory agencies.
• Experience in value engineering.
• Experience in risk-based cost estimating and probabilistic cost modeling.

Amount of Travel Required

10% or less

Driving Requirements

An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry,