Senior Cost Estimator & Infrastructure Strategy Lead

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Jersey City (NJ); Hybrid; USD 191,000 - 236,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Benefits package

Job summary

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the Engineering estimating function. This executive role focuses on cost governance, standards, and strategic cost intelligence for a multi-billion-dollar capital program.

You will oversee development of accurate cost estimates, manage the estimating team, and collaborate with engineering, PMO, finance, and leadership to ensure rigorous budgeting and procurement planning.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience on large-scale engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Advanced cost-risk and contingency modeling, scenario analysis, escalation forecasting and probabilistic risk assessments.
• Independent cost validation for billion-dollar programs ensuring realistic, defensible budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating strategy, standards, and long-term vision; provide executive guidance on cost and feasibility.
• Develop and maintain standardized estimating methodologies, tools, and templates; review estimates at all levels.
• Conduct independent estimate reviews for high-risk or high-value projects.
• Maintain and enhance cost databases; monitor market trends and escalation factors.
• Guide teams in quantity takeoffs, cost modeling, risk analysis, and contingency development.
• Collaborate with engineering, project management, finance, procurement, and leadership to integrate cost considerations through project lifecycle.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cost estimation

Leadership

Communication

Cost governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

HCSS

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the Engineering estimating function. This executive role focuses on cost governance, standards, and strategic cost intelligence for a multi-billion-dollar capital program.

You will oversee development of accurate cost estimates, manage the estimating team, and collaborate with engineering, PMO, finance, and leadership to ensure rigorous budgeting and procurement planning.