Senior Cost Estimator

Consertus-US; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 187,200 - 197,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

401(k) with company match

Generous time off

Job summary

Consertus-US is looking for a Senior Cost Estimator to support the LA Metro LINK US program in Los Angeles, CA. The role involves producing accurate estimates for complex rail and transit projects. The ideal candidate should have 15 years of relevant experience, especially in contractor-style estimating, and proficiency in MS Excel.

This full-time role offers a hybrid working arrangement and compensation between $187,200 and $197,600 annually, along with comprehensive health benefits and generous time off.

Qualifications

• 15 years of experience in construction cost estimating for large capital projects.
• Ability to read and interpret plans/specifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop construction cost estimates across all phases.
• Prepare Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation.
• Analyze cost impacts associated with changes.

Skills

Construction cost estimating experience

Contractor-style estimating

Diverse delivery methods experience

MS Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff (OST)

CostX

Accubid

HCSS HeavyBid

Sage/Timberline

Job description

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.

Required Experience

• 15 years of construction cost estimating experience, including 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.

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

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

Benefits

• 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.