Senior Construction Estimator

Reliant Critical Infrastructure; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Reliant Critical Infrastructure seeks a Senior Construction Estimator based in Ashburn, VA to support preconstruction for data center projects, including white space and tenant fit-outs. You will develop ROM estimates, detailed cost estimates, and project budgets, guiding teams to optimize constructability and cost efficiency.

The role collaborates with engineering, project management, sales, finance, and subcontractors, providing leadership and mentorship to the preconstruction team while

Qualifications

• 15+ years of estimating/cost-control experience.
• Strong knowledge of MEP cost elements.
• Ability to interpret contracts and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Review RFPs/RFQs, drawings, specs, contracts to define scope and prepare ROM/detailed estimates.
• Conduct site walks to assess scope and risks.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Develop bid proposals and maintain project documentation.
• Coordinate with subcontractors, vendors, and trade partners.

Skills

Estimating

Cost control

MEP knowledge

Communication

Collaboration

Mentorship

Education

Degree in Construction Cost Management or Quantity Surveying

Tools

P6

Microsoft Project

Trimble/Accubid

RSMeans

Job description

As a Senior Construction Estimator based in Ashburn, VA, you will support preconstruction for large-scale data center projects, including white space fit-outs, tenant fit-outs, capacity recapture, and design-build projects. You will develop rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimates, detailed cost estimates, and project budgets, helping teams evaluate risks, improve constructability, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or reliability. The role partners with engineering, project management, sales, finance, subcontractors, and suppliers and provides technical guidance and mentorship to the preconstruction team.

Responsibilities

• Review requests for proposals and quotations (RFPs/RFQs), drawings, specifications, contracts, and project requirements to define scope and prepare accurate ROM estimates, detailed estimates, and project budgets.
• Conduct site walks to assess scope, constructability, cost considerations, and potential risks.
• Identify scope gaps, project risks, and value-engineering opportunities that reduce costs while maintaining quality and reliability.
• Develop competitive bid proposals and maintain complete estimating, bid, and project documentation.
• Obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing and build strong relationships with trade partners, vendors, and suppliers.
• Evaluate preconstruction schedules, critical path activities, trade sequencing, and constructability.
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, project management, and finance throughout preconstruction, then lead project kickoff and handoff meetings with project management following award.
• Provide leadership, technical guidance, and mentorship to the preconstruction team.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of construction estimating and/or cost-control experience, with strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) and ASC cost elements.
• Degree in Construction Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, or equivalent education or experience.
• Experience developing and managing estimating or cost-control standards, processes, departmental workflows, and project documentation.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, critical path activities, and trade partner coordination.
• Experience using P6 and/or Microsoft Project for preconstruction schedules.
• Ability to interpret contracts, terms, conditions, exhibits, drawings, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and estimating tools such as Trimble/Accubid and RSMeans.
• Strong budget development, cost analysis, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a solutions-oriented approach to cost savings and project execution.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills and strong attention to detail.
• Preferred: 8+ years of data center experience, particularly in white space fit-outs (WSFO), tenant fit-outs (TFO), and capacity recapture rather than primarily core-and-shell construction.