Senior Cost Estimator / Planner/Inspector/Analyst III

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); Remote; USD 96,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university seeks a Senior Cost Estimator to manage and improve cost estimation processes for facility projects. The successful candidate will enhance the accuracy of budget tracking through collaboration, data analysis, and proactive teamwork. This remote-friendly position offers robust benefits, including comprehensive health care and retirement contributions.

Benefits

Free comprehensive health care

10% retirement contribution

Generous sick, vacation, personal, and holiday time

Qualifications

• Five to eight years of progressive experience in estimating and project management.
• Valid vehicle operator's license is required.
• Membership and experience with professional organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establish and optimize procedures for project estimation and budget tracking.
• Provide cost leadership for planning, design, and construction teams.
• Conduct cost escalation forecasts and analyze construction market trends.

Skills

Cost Estimation

Project Management

Contract Administration

Quality Control

Data Analysis

Education

Four-year college degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Working/Functional Title

Senior Cost Estimator

Position Summary

Salary: $96,400 - $117,800 annually depending on experience. MSU Benefits - Free Comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; Generous sick, vacation, personal, and holiday time. This position is eligible for remote work upon completion of a successful probationary period. Regular attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.

The Senior Cost Estimator will report to the the Principal Architect and Planner within Real Estate and Capital Planning at IPF. They will play a critical role in ensuring accurate and comprehensive cost estimations for facility and infrastructure capital projects. This position requires proactive collaboration with project managers, discipline experts, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate estimations and reliable budget tracking. It also involves evaluating and analyzing data and metrics to continuously improve estimating accuracy and overall project outcomes.

The breakdown of job duties are as follows:

40%: Establishing and optimizing procedures for accurate project estimation, including a standardized budget tracking system. Managing and implementing a comprehensive estimating database and maintaining consistent estimation methods, such as pay item tracking templates and historical data-driven models from historical and industry data.

25%: Provide cost leadership for the planning, design and construction teams to support capital projects. Collaborating with project teams to develop cost estimates, factoring in the interrelationship of project scope, milestones, labor, materials, equipment, productivity, and schedules.

20%: Evaluating project budgets at key milestones (Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents) for accuracy and completeness, and supporting value engineering and budget reconciliation efforts, and conducting periodic reviews of change order requests to verify accuracy, completeness, and justification.

15%: Conducting cost escalation forecasts and analyzing construction market trends—including materials, labor, and equipment—to advise leadership and project managers on potential time and cost implications. This position requires proactive collaboration with project managers, discipline experts, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate estimations and reliable budget tracking. It also involves evaluating and analyzing data and metrics to continuously improve estimating accuracy and overall project outcomes.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Engineering or a related field such as: Construction Management, Construction Science Engineering, Facility Management or Quantity Surveying; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in estimating, project management, contract administration and quality control; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid vehicle operator's license is required to perform the primary functions of this position.

Desired Qualifications

8+ years of experience in commercial construction for higher education, state or municipal projects experience. Experience presenting technical content to a wide variety of audience members; expert experience using Microsoft 365 software programs (word, excel, office, power point, etc.); membership and experience with professional organizations.

AACE International Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Civil Engineering Professional (CEP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), Program Management Professional (PrMP), Earned Value Professional (EVP), or Project Management Institute (PMI) equivalent certification.

A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; able to problem solve within a collaborative team environment; ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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

Required Application Materials

Professional resume and cover letter.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

ipf.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 06/17/2025 at 11:55 PM