Senior Cost Estimator - Federal

Jacobs; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Remote work options

Educational reimbursement

Retirement benefits

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Caregiver leave

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to support federal and commercial projects across the United States, with a focus on capital cost estimates from $25M to $25B. The role emphasizes strong analytical skills, risk assessment, and cost control, with remote work options and local office proximity.

You'll develop work breakdown structures, perform quantity takeoffs, and coordinate with contracts staff and external vendors to prepare accurate estimates, schedules, and proposals for diverse

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 10-15 years of estimating and construction experience
• Progressive cost estimating experience in civil, structural and architectural systems
• Proficient use of MS Office products along with estimating and quantity takeoff software(s)
• US Citizenship

Responsibilities

• Develop capital cost estimates for building and infrastructure projects
• Review contractor proposals for various procurement types.
• Review and validate change orders.
• Interface with external clients in the presentation of capital costs.
• Understanding of the relationship between cost, risk and schedule
• Maintain organized and detailed files, project records and logs.
• Attend project meetings as required.

Skills

Estimating experience

Cost estimation

Risk assessment

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management or related field

Tools

MCACES MCACES 2nd gen (MII)

On Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we’re challenging tomorrow by pushing our innovations and technologies to new heights. Our Project Services division applies these principles to cost estimating services and have proven to be industry leaders.

We’re seeking a Senior Cost Estimator with experience with capital cost estimates ranging in project size from $25M-$25B and support of our projects and clients across the country. The types of projects include office buildings, training facilities, communications facilities, warehouse, aircraft hangars, aircraft/vehicle maintenance to name a few. The location should be near a local office, but the role will be primarily remote.

This role will review design documents, proposals, specifications, drawings, attend design development meetings and assess the risk and cost impacts required to develop the estimates.

You will work with a knowledgeable and supportive team as you prepare estimates by developing project work breakdown structures, calculating complete scope of work take-offs, assist contracts staff with statements of work for subcontractors and vendors, apply construction means and methods, calculate indirect field and owner’s costs.

At Jacobs, we’re partnering across the globe to create the best project outcomes by maximizing the design, digital technology, and support capabilities of our Project Services teammates. By joining Jacobs, you’ll commit to supporting and engaging with these teams, as we work to build a company like no other.

Jacobs health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Typical benefits offered include flexible work schedules and opportunities to work remotely, educational reimbursement, retirement benefits, employee stock purchase plan, health benefits, disability benefits, life and accident insurance, voluntary benefits, paid time off and paid holidays, and parental leave.

Responsibilities include

• Develop capital cost estimates for building and infrastructure projects
• Review contractor proposals for various procurement types.
• Review and validate change orders.
• Interface with external clients in the presentation of capital costs.
• Understanding of the relationship between cost, risk and schedule
• Maintain organized and detailed files, project records and logs.
• Attend project meetings as required.

Here’s what you’ll need

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 10-15 years of estimating and construction experience.
• Progressive cost estimating experience in a variety of civil, structural and architectural systems
• Proficient use of MS Office products along with estimating and quantity takeoff software(s).
• US Citizenship

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors' degree in engineering, construction management or a related field
• Experience with MII (MCACES 2nd generation) estimating software
• Experience with On Screen Takeoff and/or Bluebeam Revu
• Alternative delivery procurement experience
• Certifications such as a CPE, CEP, CCP, PMP, or CCM
• Ability/Willingness to obtain Security Clearance

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $120,000.00 to $180,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on October 30, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.