Senior Cost Estimator - Transit & Design-Build Expert

Consertus; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 187,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Company-paid life and disability

401(k) with company match

PTO 15–25 days + holidays

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Consertus seeks a seasoned Senior Cost Estimator to support LA Metro’s LINK US program in Los Angeles, CA. This role focuses on cost estimation for complex rail and transit projects, using contractor-style methods and alternative delivery approaches.

You will collaborate with PMs, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure transparent, defendable estimates. The ideal candidate has 15+ years of estimating experience in large capital projects, strong Excel skills, and the ability to read plans and

Qualifications

• 15 years of construction cost estimating experience across large, complex capital projects.
• Experience in contractor or design-build environments (hard-bid strongly desired).
• Experience with alternative delivery methods such as Design-Build/CMAR/CMGC.
• Ability to read plans/specifications and develop detailed scope-based estimates.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and Office tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication; defend estimate rationale clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop independent and contractor-style construction cost estimates across all phases (conceptual to change orders).
• Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings and specs; validate scope and constructability.
• Prepare Basis of Estimate documentation with assumptions, inclusions/exclusions, and contingencies.
• Apply labor, equipment, pricing, taxes, insurance, and markups to estimates.
• Support estimates for alternative delivery methods and evaluate contractor proposals.
• Analyze cost impacts from scope changes and schedule changes; assist with pricing evaluations.
• Participate in estimate reviews with client and third-party estimators/contractors.
• Coordinate with Project Controls, scheduling, and PM to align with scope and milestones.
• Support change order evaluations and negotiations with technical justification.
• Maintain estimating files, takeoff backups, and historical cost data.
• Mentor junior estimators and promote estimating standards.

Skills

Cost estimating

Contractor-style estimating

Reading plans/specs

MS Excel

Communication skills

Education

Bachelors in Eng/CM/Arch

Tools

Bluebeam

OST (On-Screen Takeoff)

CostX

Accubid

HCSS HeavyBid

Sage/Timberline

Job description

Consertus seeks a seasoned Senior Cost Estimator to support LA Metro’s LINK US program in Los Angeles, CA. This role focuses on cost estimation for complex rail and transit projects, using contractor-style methods and alternative delivery approaches.

You will collaborate with PMs, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure transparent, defendable estimates. The ideal candidate has 15+ years of estimating experience in large capital projects, strong Excel skills, and the ability to read plans and