Estimating Analyst

J&J Worldwide Services; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE GovCon is seeking an Estimating Analyst to support bottom-up cost estimates for CBRE GovCon bid activity. You will develop BOEs, source and evaluate quotes, and ensure traceability to PWS requirements using standard templates.

The role targets GovCon cost estimating depth, FAR compliance, and collaboration with the Director of Estimating. Remote role with standard hours; salary range aligns with government contracting norms.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business or related field
• Experience in cost estimating, financial analysis, procurement, or a related field.
• Relevant GovCon industry experience preferred.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Develop bottom-up cost estimates for direct cost elements (labor, materials, equipment, travel, subcontracts) based on PWS/SOW.
• Populate the proposal cost model per CBRE template with traceable inputs and BOE documentation.
• Draft Bases of Estimate for assigned cost elements using approved templates and submit for review.
• Support labor build-up: research labor categories, estimate hours based on PWS, and source labor rates.
• Research and apply applicable SCA wage determinations; flag positions near WD minimums.
• Solicit vendor/subcontractor quotes via RFQs and log responses.
• Support price reasonableness determinations for subcontractor quotes.
• Develop ODC detail: research unit costs and sources; document quantities.
• Compute travel costs using GSA per diem; document inputs/assumptions.
• Apply escalation rates from rate card across cost elements; ensure consistency.
• Maintain cost model version control and archive prior versions.
• File all work products to designated proposal SharePoint folder within one business day.
• Participate in proposal kickoffs and complete assigned tasks within deadlines.
• Support Estimating Director during internal tollgates with input questions.
• Contribute to post-award lessons learned by documenting estimating assumptions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

SOW interpretation

Cost estimating

Research skills

Organization

Written communication

SCA wage knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Engineering/Business

Tools

Deltek Costpoint

JAMIS Prime

Job description

The Estimating Analyst supports the development of accurate, defensible, and fully documented cost estimates in support of CBRE GovCon bid and proposal activity. Under the direction of the Director of Estimating, the Estimating Analyst builds cost model inputs, develops Bases of Estimate (BOEs) for assigned cost elements, sources and evaluates vendor and subcontractor quotes, and ensures that every proposed cost is traceable to a PWS requirement and a credible data source. This role is the entry point into the CBRE GovCon Estimating career track and is designed for professionals developing hands‑on depth in GovCon cost estimating, BOE methodology, and FAR compliance.

Primary Job Functions

• Support the development of bottom‑up cost estimates for direct cost elements including labor, materials, equipment, travel, and subcontracts, based on the PWS or SOW.
• Populate the proposal cost model in accordance with the standard CBRE cost model template; ensure all inputs are clearly labeled and traceable to BOE documentation.
• Draft Bases of Estimate for assigned cost elements using the approved BOE template and estimating methods; submit to Director of Estimating for review.
• Support labor build‑up development: research labor categories, compile hours estimate based on PWS task analysis, and source labor rates from approved data sources.
• Research and apply applicable Service Contract Act (SCA) Wage Determinations for covered positions; flag any positions where proposed rates are at or near WD minimums.
• Solicit vendor and subcontractor quotes by issuing RFQs, tracking responses, and logging received quotes in the Vendor Quote Library.
• Support price reasonableness determination preparation for subcontractor quotes under Director of Estimating guidance.
• Develop ODC line‑item detail: research unit costs using vendor catalogs, GSA schedules, and historical data; document quantities and sources.
• Compute travel costs using current GSA per diem rates; document all inputs and assumptions.
• Apply escalation rates from the approved rate card to option year cost elements; verify escalation is applied consistently across the cost model.
• Maintain cost model version control; archive prior versions to the VERSIONS subfolder per SharePoint naming conventions.
• File all work products to the designated proposal SharePoint folder within one business day of completion.
• Participate in proposal kickoffs; receive and execute assigned tasks from the input assignment matrix within established deadlines.
• Support the Director of Estimating during internal review tollgates by responding to questions about assigned cost model inputs.
• Contribute to post‑award lessons learned by documenting estimating assumptions that proved inaccurate.

Education, Experience and Certification

Required/Preferred

Description

Required

Degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business or related field

Required/Preferred

Years of Experience

Description

Required

Preferred

2 + year

4+ years

Experience in cost estimating, financial analysis, procurement, or a related field.

Relevant experience, preferably within the government contracting industry.

License/Certification

Description

Preferred

N/A

Active security clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Working Conditions

Remote role with standard business hours; additional time may be required during peak periods.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail; comfortable working with large, formula‑driven Excel workbooks.
• Ability to read and interpret government Statements of Work and Performance Work Statements to identify cost drivers.
• Strong research skills; ability to locate, evaluate, and cite data sources for cost elements.
• Organized and process‑oriented; able to manage multiple assigned tasks within hard proposal deadlines.
• Clear written communication skills for BOE narrative development.
• Familiarity with Service Contract Act (SCA) wage determinations or other prevailing wage requirements is preferred.
• Experience using GSA per diem rates, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indices, or similar standard cost data sources is preferred.
• Knowledge of construction estimating tools or unit‑price books, such as RSMeans or PAXUS, is preferred.
• Familiarity with Deltek Costpoint, JAMIS Prime, or a comparable GovCon ERP system is preferred.

Financial Responsibilities

• No

Disclaimer

The base salary range for this position is $70,000- $90,000. This position may also be eligible for a wide range of competitive benefits that can include but not limited to: medical, well‑being, financial planning and short‑term incentives benefits.

This description is not intended to be an “all inclusive” list of the accountabilities of the job described. Rather, it describes the general nature of the job. In addition, some aspects of this job may change over time, according to business needs, and these changes may not be recorded immediately. The requirements stated represent the minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities to qualify and satisfactorily perform this job.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.