Estimator - Construction and Infrastructure Projects

McKinsey & Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 144,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Continuous learning programs

Support for holistic well-being

Job summary

McKinsey & Company is looking for a specialist practitioner in Chicago to join their Capital Analytics Client Capabilities Network. You will work closely with teams of consultants to address complex challenges and develop construction cost models for large-scale capital projects.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Science and over a year of relevant experience. The salary range for this role is $140,000 to $144,200 per year, and a comprehensive benefits package is provided.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience on major capital projects for owner or contractor.
• Hands-on experience with construction estimating software.
• Exceptional leadership and initiative demonstrated in various settings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and budget forecasts for capital projects.
• Build and scale analytical tools for project management.
• Collaborate with clients to implement actionable recommendations.

Skills

Construction estimating software expertise

Quantitative and analytical skills

Project management experience

Excel modeling capabilities

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Engineering or Construction Science

Tools

Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE)

Cleopatra Estimating

Autodesk ProEst

Sage Estimating

InEight Estimating

Trimble Accubid

Bluebeam

Stack

RIB CostX

ICEC

ACostE

Job description

Locations

• Atlanta
• Boston
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Houston
• New York City
• Washington DC

As a specialist practitioner, you will work in close‑knit teams of 3‑5 consultants to solve complex challenges for our clients. You will leverage advanced estimating and analytical tools to develop construction cost models, build proprietary solutions, and drive impact on large‑scale capital projects.

Responsibilities

You will be based in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Washington DC, or New York, joining our Capital Analytics Client Capabilities Network—a core component of our broader Capital Excellence Service Line.

Our dedicated specialists use a data‑driven approach and proprietary methodologies to offer services such as estimate and schedule validation, benchmarking, diligence, and readiness reviews.

You will prepare detailed cost estimates and budget forecasts for major capital projects.

You will build and scale analytical tools focused on portfolio optimization, value improvement, project execution, and cost/schedule diagnostics.

You will leverage advanced estimating and analytical tools to develop construction cost models, build proprietary solutions, and drive impact on large‑scale capital projects.

You will play an active role in client engagements by gathering data, testing hypotheses, and developing actionable recommendations. You will present your findings to client leadership and collaborate directly with their teams to implement solutions.

You will help build new benchmarking databases, cost models, and market perspectives. You will synthesize your findings into complex models, summary reports, and standalone presentations for both internal and external audiences.

You will also stay at the forefront of the capital projects industry, continually contributing to the firm’s collective expertise and proprietary insights.

Growth & Benefits

• Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development.
• A voice that matters: You’ll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions.
• Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities.
• World‑class benefits: In addition to a competitive salary, we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well‑being for you and your family.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Engineering, Construction Science, or a related field.
• 1+ years of experience working on major capital projects for either an owner or contractor, ideally within project management or project controls.
• 1+ years of hands‑on experience with construction estimating software for large‑scale capital projects.
• Prior experience in consulting, strategic planning, or research is a distinct advantage.
• Proficiency with Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with other industry tools is a strong asset (e.g., Cleopatra Estimating, Autodesk ProEst, Sage Estimating, InEight Estimating, Trimble Accubid, Bluebeam, Stack, RIB CostX, ICEC, or ACostE).
• Advanced Excel modeling capabilities and experience managing, structuring, and analyzing large datasets using database tools.
• Exceptional quantitative, analytical, and structured problem‑solving skills.
• A proven record of leadership and taking initiative within professional, academic, or extracurricular settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the proven ability to translate complex, technical data into clear, actionable insights.
• Ability to travel up to 50 %.

Salary and Benefits

To help you understand what you can expect, the salary range for new joiners in this role in the United States, including all office locations where the job may be performed, is $140,000 – $144,200 USD gross per year. Actual salaries may vary. Certain roles may be eligible for bonuses.

Additionally, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, mental health, dental and vision coverage, telemedicine, life, accident and disability insurance, parental leave, caregiving resources, a generous retirement contributions program, financial guidance, and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

FOR U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

FOR NON‑U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. For additional details regarding our global EEO policy and diversity initiatives, please visit our McKinsey Careers and Diversity & Inclusion sites.