Federal Cost Estimator – Construction Projects

CDM Smith; Owensboro (KY); On-site; USD 76,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a cost estimator to support federal projects with detailed, discipline-specific estimates using MCACES II, RSMeans, and related tools. You will analyze proposals, interpret drawings, and reference UFCs to ensure constructible, compliant solutions.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience, pass federal background checks, and collaborate with PMs, engineers, and contracting officers to improve estimating accuracy and support project success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant cost estimating experience.
• Ability to pass a federal background check.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed, discipline-specific cost estimates using industry tools.
• Analyze cost proposals and change orders for FAR/DFARS compliance.
• Interpret drawings and specs to develop estimates across design stages.
• Reference UFCs, standards, and design guides for compliant solutions.
• Develop cost models and pricing databases for improvement.
• Collaborate with PMs, COS, engineers, and contracting officers.
• Support value engineering with cost-saving recommendations.
• Prepare narratives and documentation for government review.
• Assess risk and contingency based on project complexity and market conditions.
• Contribute to budget development and life-cycle analyses.

Skills

US citizenship

Strong communication

Field work readiness

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

MII (MCACES II)

RSMeans

Success Estimator

Job description

CDM Smith is seeking a cost estimator to support federal projects with detailed, discipline-specific estimates using MCACES II, RSMeans, and related tools. You will analyze proposals, interpret drawings, and reference UFCs to ensure constructible, compliant solutions.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience, pass federal background checks, and collaborate with PMs, engineers, and contracting officers to improve estimating accuracy and support project success.