Senior Cost Engineer: Preconstruction & Value Engineering

S+B James Construction; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Sick days

Wellness days

Paid holidays

Discretionary bonus

Company events in the community

Recruiting bonuses

Company credit card

Annual Christmas party

Kings Suite access

Job summary

S+B James Construction in California is seeking a Sr. Cost Engineer to join our Preconstruction team.

You will develop accurate cost models, perform detailed quantity take-offs, and evaluate subcontractor proposals to help drive competitive bids. This full-time position requires a bachelor’s degree in CM/engineering/architecture and 3+ years in estimating or cost engineering in commercial general contracting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CM, engineering, architecture, or related field.
• 3+ years of estimating, cost engineering, or preconstruction in a commercial GC environment.
• Proficiency in estimating software (Sage, Timberline, WinEst) and take-off tools (Bluebeam, OST).

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantity take-offs and prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates during preconstruction.
• Build and maintain historical cost data for benchmarking and forecasting.
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals for completeness and alignment with project requirements.
• Coordinate with Preconstruction, Estimating, subcontractors, clients, and design team to ensure accurate documentation.
• Support value engineering to achieve cost efficiency while preserving scope and design intent.
• Participate in constructability reviews and site investigations to guide the design team.
• Assist in developing project phasing, bid packages, and procurement strategies.

Skills

Analytical and quantitative skills

Time management

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

Sage

Timberline

WinEst

Bluebeam

OST

Job description

S+B James Construction in California is seeking a Sr. Cost Engineer to join our Preconstruction team.

You will develop accurate cost models, perform detailed quantity take-offs, and evaluate subcontractor proposals to help drive competitive bids. This full-time position requires a bachelor’s degree in CM/engineering/architecture and 3+ years in estimating or cost engineering in commercial general contracting.