Senior Cost Estimator — Infrastructure & Capital Delivery

Cadient, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to lead cost estimation for the Capital Delivery Program, ensuring accurate budgeting and forecasting across multiple projects. You will manage PMIS implementation, develop cost breakdown structures, and train teams in cost management best practices.

The role requires seven+ years of infrastructure estimating experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work with cross-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Minimum of seven years of experience preparing cost estimates, preferably in an infrastructure related field.
• Considerable knowledge of estimating and cost management best practices and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of cost baseline creation and management.
• Knowledge of the estimating and cost PMIS best practices.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management.
• Good organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced level math skills.
• Proficient in PMIS and Microsoft 365.
• Ability to conduct training consisting of multi-disciplinary members.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to complete assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Responsibilities

• Manage cost and estimating management plans, processes, and procedures (budget and forecast) for all projects within the Capital Delivery Program.
• Monitor milestone schedules and ensure corresponding estimates are accurately updated in the system and documentation of processes and procedures is entered accurately and updated.
• Oversee the development and implementation of all project cost estimates within the program and review and approve estimates needed for project charters.
• Oversee the implementation, use, and training on the Project Management Information System (PMIS) for costing and estimating projects; participate in updating training materials; and provide training to system users and team members.
• Support the Director, Project Controls in developing cost breakdown structure and schedule of values for all projects within the program.
• Oversee setup and initial loading of baseline budget into budget management system; record commitments and expenditures; track all budgets, commitments, and expenditure transactions; identify and track potential cost issues/overruns; and work with project team to resolve issues and correct errors.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
• Perform otherrelated duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Critical thinking

Verbal communication

Written communication

Math skills

PMIS proficiency

Microsoft 365

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Construction Management degree

Tools

PMIS

Microsoft 365

Job description

Metra is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to lead cost estimation for the Capital Delivery Program, ensuring accurate budgeting and forecasting across multiple projects. You will manage PMIS implementation, develop cost breakdown structures, and train teams in cost management best practices.

The role requires seven+ years of infrastructure estimating experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work with cross-disciplinary teams.