Estimator IV

Cmts Llc; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

CMTS LLC seeks an Estimator IV (MEP) for a Los Angeles project, reporting to PMO and Lead Estimator. The senior role focuses on preparing and reviewing estimates for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems across educational facilities.

The candidate will perform MEP quantity takeoffs, analyze contractor pricing, and provide cost recommendations to leadership, collaborating with project teams to optimize value and control costs. This is a full-time, on-site position in Los Angeles, CA.

Qualifications

• 10+ years estimating cost for Type I–V building construction.
• 10+ years of experience in estimating for large-scale projects is expected.
• MEP estimating experience is required (5–7 years).
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field.
• Expert knowledge of cost-estimating theories, principles, practices, and contract pricing.
• Expert knowledge of Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, and Job Order Contracting (JOC).
• Comprehensive knowledge of building and structural construction methods.
• Understanding of local labor and material costs.
• Experience developing scopes of work and estimates for change orders.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare construction cost estimates using drawings, specs, outlines, and design documents.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates based on project design, scope, and building type.
• Perform MEP quantity takeoffs and material takeoffs for systems.
• Review and evaluate cost-estimating deliverables for accuracy and cost containment.
• Prepare independent fair-cost estimates for contractor proposals with changes.
• Review bids and compare to estimates for discrepancies.
• Develop cost studies and reports when bids vary from estimates.
• Conduct site visits to gather information for accurate estimates.

Skills

MEP Cost Estimating

Cost Analysis

Quantity Takeoffs

Change Order Estimating

Contractor Proposal Analysis

Value Engineering

Cost Control

Construction Pricing

Scope Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field

Advanced degree or certification beneficial

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Estimator IV (MEP) – Los Angeles, CA

Full-Time | On-Site | Los Angeles, CA

Why CMTS

Every day at CMTS, our team delivers infrastructure projects that positively impact lives and communities. With over 42 years of industry experience, CMTS has built a strong foundation for continued success, providing project and construction management services to public and private clients nationwide.

We value our employees by fostering a culture of learning, professional development, and collaboration. CMTS is committed to maintaining a work environment that emphasizes safety, integrity, and accountability while supporting work-life balance and employee well-being. Our teams are empowered to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact through the projects we deliver.

About Your Role

CMTS is seeking an experienced Estimator IV (MEP) to support a major educational facilities capital improvement program in Los Angeles, CA.

The Estimator IV (MEP) is a senior-level estimating professional specializing in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) trades. This position will support the Program Management Office (PMO) and report to the Program Controls Manager and Lead Estimator.

The successful candidate will prepare, review, and evaluate construction cost estimates for buildings and structures; perform MEP quantity takeoffs; analyze contractor pricing and change orders; and provide cost recommendations to project leadership.

Responsibilities

• Plan and participate in the preparation of construction cost estimates for buildings and other structures using drawings, specifications, outlines, and other design documents.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates based on project design, scope, and building type.
• Perform material takeoffs and quantity surveys for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Review and evaluate cost-estimating deliverables prepared by consultants for accuracy, completeness, uniformity, and cost containment.
• Prepare independent fair-cost estimates for contractor proposals involving additional or changed work.
• Review contractor bids and compare them against construction cost estimates.
• Perform special cost studies and prepare reports when contractor bids vary significantly from established construction estimates.Conduct project and construction site visits to gather information necessary to develop accurate project estimates.
• Evaluate historical cost information, vendor pricing, and other supporting documentation to develop cost estimates and pricing recommendations.
• Review quotes, bids, change orders, value engineering reports, and claims for accuracy and completeness.
• Analyze factors affecting project cost, including materials, labor, equipment, overhead, and profit.
• Prepare technical evaluations, cost-estimating reports, memoranda, letters, and recommendations for management.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, architects, and other project stakeholders to identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving measures.
• Compare contractor proposals against independent estimates to identify cost discrepancies.
• Develop scopes of work based on Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Clarification (RFC), responses, drawings, and other project documentation.
• Independently estimate detailed costs associated with scopes of work without relying solely on contractor proposals.
• Perform estimating and analytical functions independently while contributing effectively within a fast-paced project team.
• Perform basic estimating calculations and cost analysis using Microsoft Excel.
• Perform other related estimating duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of recent professional experience preparing complete construction cost estimates for Type I, II, III, and/or V building construction.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of MEP estimating experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Additional qualifying professional experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Expert knowledge of cost-estimating theories, principles, practices, and contract pricing.
• Expert knowledge of Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, and Job Order Contracting (JOC).
• Comprehensive knowledge of building and structural construction methods.
• Comprehensive understanding of current local construction labor and material costs.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, construction practices, and industry standards.
• Extensive experience developing scopes of work and estimates for construction change orders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Prevailing Wage and Union Labor rates.
• Knowledge and use of NECA and MCAA labor productivity.
• Experience with RSMeans, Accubid, Trimble MEP, or Bluebeam Revu.
• Strong attention to detail and estimating accuracy.
• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills.

Required Skills

• MEP Cost Estimating
• Construction Cost Analysis
• Quantity Takeoffs
• Change Order Estimating
• Contractor Proposal Analysis
• Value Engineering
• Cost Control
• Construction Pricing
• Scope Development
• Design-Build
• Design-Bid-Build
• Job Order Contracting
• Microsoft Excel
• Bluebeam Revu

Salary :

$180,000 -190,000

Bonus Pay

A bonus may be granted to employees depending on individual performance, employee utilization, attendance, tenure, and furtherance of other non-financial corporate goals; bonus opportunities are available at management’s discretion.

CMTS LLC offers 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, 401k, life, and long-term disability insurance coverage for employees.

CMTS, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.