Senior Cost Estimator - Project Controls

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization that enhances research objectives through effective project management. As a Senior Cost Estimator, you will play a pivotal role in preparing and reviewing cost estimates for various projects, ensuring quality and consistency. Your expertise will guide project management teams in developing budgetary estimates and conducting life-cycle cost analyses. This position offers a dynamic work environment with hybrid and on-site options, where your contributions will directly impact the success of high-value projects. If you have a passion for precision and collaboration, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in cost estimating.
• Expertise in multi-disciplinary project cost estimating.
• Proficiency in cost estimating software and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review construction cost estimates.
• Conduct peer reviews and ensure compliance with standards.
• Communicate estimate status to stakeholders.

Skills

Cost Estimating

Project Management

Budgeting

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Cost Estimating Software

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Project

Outlook

Job description

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Position Overview

SLAC’s Project Portfolio Management Office (PMO) manages infrastructure and capital projects from conceptual development, through design, construction, and occupancy. We plan and develop high-value, quality, long-term cost-effective facilities and landscapes that enhance research objectives at SLAC, in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) and Stanford University. We are seeking an experienced Cost Estimator to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing, developing, reviewing, and issuing independent cost estimates. You will prepare conceptual and detailed estimates, develop material lists and quantity takeoffs, and maintain local material and construction cost databases. You will also review subcontracted cost estimates, ensure estimates are ready for budget submissions, and complete detailed estimates for change orders. This position reports to the Enterprise Systems Manager.

Your Specific Responsibilities Include

1. Assist project management teams in preparing construction cost estimates or independent government estimates.
2. Prepare budgetary estimates based on conceptual designs and specifications.
3. Review and reconcile cost estimates from third-party firms and consultants for quality and consistency.
4. Perform cost reasonableness reviews and facilitate estimate adjudication.
5. Conduct peer reviews and reconciliations of internal estimates, ensuring compliance with standards.
6. Interpret design drawings, specifications, and quantity takeoffs to develop material lists.
7. Coordinate estimate setup, documentation, updates, and closure.
8. Communicate estimate status to stakeholders.
9. Maintain estimate metadata in the estimating database.
10. Update and maintain standard estimating tools, templates, and software.
11. Train team members in cost estimating tools.
12. Apply cost estimating factors for markups, indirect costs, overheads, contingencies, and labor costs.
13. Perform life-cycle cost analyses to determine the most cost-effective options.

To Be Successful In This Position You Will Bring

1. Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience or equivalent education and experience.
2. Expertise in multi-disciplinary project cost estimating for various project types.
3. Mastery of unit cost estimating standards such as RS Means.
4. Significant experience interpreting design documents, developing estimates, budgets, and conducting value engineering.
5. Experience presenting budgets and estimates to clients and agencies.
6. Ability to collaborate effectively with designers, engineers, and contractors.
7. Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects.
8. Proficiency in cost estimating software, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Project.
9. Familiarity with DOE G 413.3 Cost Estimating Guide is preferred.
10. Industry certifications (e.g., PCEA/CCEA, CEP, CPE) are a plus.

SLAC Employee Competencies

• Effective Decision-Making
• Self-Development
• Dependability
• Initiative
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Building Relationships

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Reasonable accommodations will be provided for employees with disabilities.
• Hybrid and on-site work options are available.

Work Standards

• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to safety and environmental policies.
• Compliance with university policies and procedures.

The pay range for this position is $160,303 - $184,111 annually. Compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other factors.