Planning Cost Estimator

HKA Enterprises; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

HKA Enterprises is seeking a Planning Cost Estimator to develop planning-level cost estimates and comparative analyses for federal and public-sector capital projects. The role serves as the cost estimating SME and supports workshops and stakeholder meetings.

Responsibilities include building AACE Class 4/5 estimates, evaluating renovation vs replacement options, and documenting assumptions, risks, and confidence levels. Travel up to 40% nationwide; US citizenship required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, quantity surveying, economics, or related field.
• 8+ years of professional experience in cost estimating, facility planning, or related fields.
• Experience preparing AACE Class 4 and Class 5 estimates; DoD/federal project experience preferred.
• US Citizenship required.
• Ability to travel 10-40% nationwide, including 2–5 day trips.

Responsibilities

• Develop AACE Class 4 and 5 cost estimates from conceptual scopes.
• Prepare comparative estimates for multiple development scenarios.
• Evaluate renovation vs replacement options using planning-level methods.
• Document estimate assumptions, risks, and confidence levels.
• Participate in client workshops, planning charrettes, and stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Cost estimating

Planning & budgeting

Client workshops

Risk assessment

Quantitative analysis

Education

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

Tools

MII

PACES

DD Form 1391

Job description

Our client is seeking a Planning Cost Estimator to develop planning-level cost estimates and comparative cost analyses for federal and public-sector capital projects, serving as the project's cost estimating subject matter expert. Pay: $42.30 - $65.00 per hour

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop AACE Class 4 and Class 5 cost estimates using conceptual scope definitions
• Prepare comparative estimates for multiple development scenarios
• Evaluate renovation versus replacement options using planning-level methodologies
• Document estimate assumptions, risks, and confidence levels
• Participate in client workshops, planning charrettes, and stakeholder meetings
• Develop estimates using MII methodologies per DoD/federal requirements
• Apply professional judgment to develop quantities, unit costs, and contingencies with limited project information

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Economics, or related field
• 8+ years of professional experience in cost estimating, facility planning, or related fields
• Experience preparing AACE Class 4 and Class 5 estimates
• Experience supporting federal, defense, or large public-sector capital projects
• Proficiency with MII and PACES, including DD Form 1391 and MILCON estimates
• US Citizenship required
• Ability to travel 10-40% nationwide, including trips of 2-5 days