Senior Cost Estimator

ASLPM; California (MO); Remote; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the rail and transportation industry is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to join its project controls team. The ideal candidate will develop accurate cost estimates for large-scale rail and heavy civil infrastructure projects. This full-time remote role within California requires strong analytical and communication skills, alongside extensive experience and technical acumen in construction estimating.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of progressive cost estimating experience.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical documents.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of comprehensive cost estimates for all project phases.
• Analyze design plans and specifications to quantify costs.
• Provide estimating support for bids and proposals.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional certification in cost estimating

Tools

HSS—Heavy Bid

Timberline

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by ASLPM . Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$80.00/hr - $90.00/hr

Direct message the job poster from ASLPM

LOCATION: Sacramento, CA (Remote within California)

COMPENSATION: $80-$90/hour + Benefits (commensurate with experience)

INDUSTRY: Rail / Transportation

AREA OF SPECIALTY: Cost / Estimating / Rail and Heavy Civil Projects

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Cost Estimator to join our project controls team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for large-scale rail and heavy civil infrastructure projects. Your expertise will be crucial in supporting project bids, contributing to financial planning, and ensuring the precise quantification of project costs.

This is a full-time, remote position within California, with some travel required for client meetings and project site visits.

WHAT YOU’LL DO!

As our Senior Cost Estimator, you will be integral to the financial success and accurate planning of our projects. Your responsibilities will include:

• Detailed Cost Estimate Development: Lead the preparation of comprehensive cost estimates for all project phases, from conceptual planning and preliminary design through to final construction and commissioning. This includes analyzing design plans, specifications, and other project documents to accurately quantify materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Data Analysis & Validation: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gather and analyze relevant data for estimating. Validate cost inputs, historical data, and market conditions to ensure the accuracy and competitiveness of estimates.
• Basis of Estimate Documentation: Develop and maintain a clear, detailed basis of estimate for all cost projections, outlining assumptions, exclusions, and methodologies used.
• Bid & Proposal Support: Provide critical estimating support for bids, proposals, and tender submissions, ensuring estimates are aligned with project scope and client requirements.
• Risk & Contingency Analysis: Conduct thorough risk assessments on cost estimates, identifying potential cost impacts and developing appropriate contingency allowances. Participate in value engineering exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising project quality or scope.
• Market Research: Stay current with market trends, material costs, labor rates, and equipment pricing within the heavy civil and rail transportation sectors.
• Reporting & Presentation: Prepare and present detailed cost reports, analyses, and recommendations to project teams, management, and clients.
• Mentorship & Best Practices: Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and databases. Potentially mentor junior estimators and share best practices within the team.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING!

We are seeking a highly analytical and experienced professional with a strong foundation in heavy civil and rail construction estimating.

• Experience: A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive cost estimating experience on large-scale rail, transit, or heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Technical Acumen: Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and derive quantities from blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and other technical project documents.
• Cost Estimating Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency and hands-on experience with industry-standard estimating software (e.g., HSS—Heavy Bid, Timberline, or similar database-driven systems).
• Construction Knowledge: Deep understanding of construction means, methods, materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor pricing for rail and heavy civil infrastructure. This includes specific knowledge of: Rail and rail systems construction, Rail and roadway tunnel construction, Rail and roadway bridge construction, and Retaining wall systems, and Other systems and structures associated with the operation of a railway.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify complex cost drivers and develop robust estimates.
• Communication & Presentation Skills: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex cost information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency and knowledge of computer software applications including Microsoft (MS) Word, MS Excel, and MS Outlook.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Professional certification in cost estimating or engineering (e.g., AACE International, ASPE).
• Experience with different project delivery methods (e.g., Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, P3).

If you are a detail-oriented and analytical Senior Cost Estimator ready to play a key role in the financial success of transformative infrastructure projects, we encourage you to apply!!

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Consulting

• Industries

  Construction and Rail Transportation

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Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

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