Senior Cost Estimator

OCMI, Inc.; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote/Hybrid flexibility

Medical/Dental/Vision and Life Ins.

401K Program with Company Match

Paid Holidays / Sick Leave / Vacation

Team Building and Employee Events

Job summary

OCMI, Inc. in Irvine, CA is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to lead complex project estimates, provide strategic cost guidance, and partner with clients and teams to achieve successful outcomes.

You will develop detailed estimates, mentor staff, and support business development while upholding QA/QC standards and clear client communication. This is a hybrid role with remote flexibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a cost estimating professional, preferably in consulting.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specs.
• Proficient with OST or similar takeoff software and Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to lead and mentor.
• Bachelor's degree in construction, engineering, or architecture preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and lead estimates, studies, analyses, and evaluations across project development stages.
• Provide conceptual and detailed cost estimates, takeoffs, and value engineering as needed.
• Develop comprehensive cost models communicating client goals and project scope.
• Mentor estimating staff and direct reports to support growth and performance.
• Ensure QA/QC by presenting a quality product to the client.
• Communicate clearly to support project goals and stakeholder alignment.
• Research and source cost data from reliable vendors and sources.
• Support business development with cost exhibits for proposals and meetings.

Skills

Cost estimating

OST software

Excel

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction, engineering, or architecture

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff (OST)

Excel

Job description

At OCMI, our core values—One Team, Curiosity, Meaningful Service, and Integrity—drive everything we do. Founded in 1982 and still privately owned, we've become one of the nation's fastest-growing construction management consultancies. Serving markets across federal, education, hospitality, healthcare, technology, and commercial sectors, we offer comprehensive services including cost management, project management, scheduling, and project controls. Most importantly, our teams are passionate about supporting each other and making a difference in the communities we serve.

We're thrilled to welcome a California-based Senior Cost Estimator to our team in Irvine, CA. In this role, you'll serve as a trusted cost advisor, leading the development of complex project estimates, providing strategic cost guidance, and partnering with clients and project teams to support successful project outcomes. As a senior member of our cost management practice, you'll help drive key decisions and identify project risks and opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Create and lead estimates, studies, analyses, and evaluations at all levels of project development.
• Provide conceptual-level estimates, detailed quantity take-off, change order reviews/reconciliations, and value engineering solutions as necessary
• Develop and present a detailed review of all documentation and develop comprehensive cost estimates/models that communicate the client's project and strategic goals
• Provide mentorship and training to estimating staff and direct reports, supporting professional growth and team performance
• Ensure a quality product is presented to the client by adhering to QA/QC procedures
• Communicate effectively through clear and concise means appropriate to the project goals
• Actively research, solicit, and develop sources/vendors for compiling and maintaining the accuracy of cost information
• Support business development efforts by developing, promoting, and maintaining client relationships by creating cost exhibits for proposals, meetings, presentations, etc.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years as a cost estimating professional, preferably as a consultant, to include, but not limited to, client interfacing engagement, conceptual estimating, take-offs, change order review/reconciliation, value engineering solutions, etc.
• Ability to understand and accurately interpret construction documents (drawings, specifications).
• Proficient user of On-Screen Takeoff (OST) software or similar quantity takeoff software preferred.
• Ability to work independently
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, or architecture is preferred.

Benefits include:

• Remote/Hybrid flexibility
• Company-sponsored Medical/Dental/Vision and Life Insurance
• 401K Program with a Company Match
• Paid Holidays / Sick Leave / Vacation Accrual
• Company Team Building, Employee Events, and a fun, people-first environment

Compensation: $145,000.00 - $155,000.00

OCMI, Inc. (OCMI) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. OCMI does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws. #LI-EJ1