Senior Cost Estimator

Consertus; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 187,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Company-paid life and disability

401(k) with company match

PTO 15–25 days + holidays

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Consertus seeks a seasoned Senior Cost Estimator to support LA Metro’s LINK US program in Los Angeles, CA. This role focuses on cost estimation for complex rail and transit projects, using contractor-style methods and alternative delivery approaches.

You will collaborate with PMs, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure transparent, defendable estimates. The ideal candidate has 15+ years of estimating experience in large capital projects, strong Excel skills, and the ability to read plans and

Qualifications

• 15 years of construction cost estimating experience across large, complex capital projects.
• Experience in contractor or design-build environments (hard-bid strongly desired).
• Experience with alternative delivery methods such as Design-Build/CMAR/CMGC.
• Ability to read plans/specifications and develop detailed scope-based estimates.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and Office tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication; defend estimate rationale clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop independent and contractor-style construction cost estimates across all phases (conceptual to change orders).
• Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings and specs; validate scope and constructability.
• Prepare Basis of Estimate documentation with assumptions, inclusions/exclusions, and contingencies.
• Apply labor, equipment, pricing, taxes, insurance, and markups to estimates.
• Support estimates for alternative delivery methods and evaluate contractor proposals.
• Analyze cost impacts from scope changes and schedule changes; assist with pricing evaluations.
• Participate in estimate reviews with client and third-party estimators/contractors.
• Coordinate with Project Controls, scheduling, and PM to align with scope and milestones.
• Support change order evaluations and negotiations with technical justification.
• Maintain estimating files, takeoff backups, and historical cost data.
• Mentor junior estimators and promote estimating standards.

Skills

Cost estimating

Contractor-style estimating

Reading plans/specs

MS Excel

Communication skills

Education

Bachelors in Eng/CM/Arch

Tools

Bluebeam

OST (On-Screen Takeoff)

CostX

Accubid

HCSS HeavyBid

Sage/Timberline

Job description

Consertus is a global capital program management and advisory firm that combines deep human expertise with advanced digital tools to deliver smarter, faster, and more sustainable outcomes. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, and supported by a team of more than 1,000 professionals worldwide, we help clients plan, execute, and optimize large-scale capital programs.

Our integrated services span digital, advisory, and delivery, empowering organizations to navigate complexity, manage risk, and achieve strategic goals in sectors including aviation, transportation, transit, water, healthcare, energy, education, government, commercial, life sciences, and technology.

At Consertus, we celebrate individual strengths, foster strong relationships, and promote flexibility in how and where we work. Join us to grow your career, develop your skills, and make a lasting impact as we transform how the world is built.

Discover how Consertus is driving transformative change for our clients, our people, and the communities we serve at www.consertus.com

About This Role

Consertus is seeking a seasoned Senior Cost Estimator to support LA Metro’s LINK US program in Los Angeles, CA. This role supports cost estimating activities for complex rail and transit capital projects and is responsible for producing accurate, defensible estimates throughout planning, design, and construction.

The ideal candidate has strong contractor-style estimating experience and has supported projects delivered using alternative procurement/delivery methods (e.g., Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, CMGC/CMAR). This individual will collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, designers, and external stakeholders to support cost transparency, cost validation, and informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop independent and/or contractor-style construction cost estimates across all phases (conceptual/ROM, schematic, design development, construction documents, and change order pricing).
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications; validate scope completeness and constructability considerations.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation, including assumptions, inclusions/exclusions, indirects, escalation, and contingency rationale.
• Apply appropriate labor, equipment, productivity, material pricing, taxes, insurance, and markups to develop accurate estimates.
• Support estimates for projects delivered under alternative delivery methods, including evaluation of contractor proposals, design-assist inputs, and progressive design-build pricing.
• Analyze and support cost impacts associated with scope changes, schedule impacts, and risk items; assist with pricing evaluations and reconciliations.
• Participate in estimate reviews, peer reviews, and reconciliation meetings with client and third-party estimators and/or contractors.
• Coordinate with Project Controls, scheduling, and project management teams to ensure estimate alignment with project scope, delivery strategy, and schedule milestones.
• Support change order evaluations and negotiations by providing estimate detail and technical justification.
• Maintain estimating files, quantity takeoff backups, pricing references, and historical cost data to support benchmarking and future estimates.
• Mentor junior estimators and support consistent estimating standards, processes, and quality controls.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Experience

• 15 years of construction cost estimating experience, including experience producing estimates for large, complex capital projects.
• Demonstrated estimating experience in contractor or design-build environments (hard-bid / heavy bid experience strongly desired).
• Experience supporting alternative delivery methods such as Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, CMGC/CMAR.
• Strong ability to read and interpret plans/specifications and develop detailed scope-based estimates.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to present estimate rationale and defend assumptions.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting major rail/transit programs for public agencies (LA Metro experience a plus).
• Experience with estimating tools such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), CostX, Accubid, HCSS HeavyBid, and/or Sage/Timberline.
• Familiarity with project controls practices (WBS alignment, cost breakdown structures, cash flow/time phasing).
• Certifications such as CPE/CEP, PMP, and/or LEED AP.

Working Hours & Location:

• Location: Los Angeles, CA (LA Metro – LINK US)
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid; expected to be in-office 3–4 days per week (based on project/client needs)
• Schedule: Full-time, exempt role with standard business hours

Compensation Range:

$187,200 – $197,600 annually; Eligible for Bonus.

What’s In It for You

• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, and vision)
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Optional benefits like pet insurance, legal, and supplemental health plans
• 401(k) with day-one eligibility, 3% safe harbor, plus up to 2.5% company match
• Generous time off: 10 paid holidays and PTO starting at 15 days, growing up to 25
• Access to Consertus Academy for continuous learning and development

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Consertus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status.