Senior Estimator

AACE International; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

APTIM seeks a Senior Construction Estimator to develop accurate and competitive cost estimates for construction and environmental projects, focused on federal clients (DoD, DOE, FEMA, USACE). The role partners with BD, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Proposal teams to craft winning pricing and high-quality proposals.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience with bottom-up, ROM, and parametric estimates, strong Excel skills, and a track record in leading multi-discipline

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field; equivalent industry experience considered.
• 5–10 years in construction/environmental industries with federal projects preferred.
• 5–7 years estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Experience with DoD/DOE/FEMA/USACE or similar government agencies.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as InEight, Sage Estimating, RSMeans.
• Advanced Excel skills and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of cost estimates from planning through final proposal submission.
• Prepare accurate estimates using limited project information with expert collaboration.
• Develop ROM, parametric, and bottom-up estimates for various project types.
• Lead major proposal estimating efforts with cross-functional teams.
• Solicit, evaluate, and incorporate subcontractor and vendor quotes.
• Perform constructability reviews and identify cost drivers and risks.
• Develop pricing strategies, labor rates, indirect costs, and estimate docs.
• Review estimates and mentor team members on best practices.
• Support proposal activities with Business Development and Capture teams.
• Improve estimating processes, tools, databases, and models.
• Present assumptions, methodologies, risks, and recommendations to leadership.
• Manage multiple estimates to meet aggressive schedules with accuracy.

Skills

Estimating expertise

Project leadership

Communication skills

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

InEight

Sage Estimating

RSMeans

Job description

Job Overview:

APTIM is seeking an experienced Senior Construction Estimator to join our growing team. This role is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for a wide range of construction and environmental projects, with a strong emphasis on federal government clients, including the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE), FEMA, and other state and local agencies.

The ideal candidate is a strategic estimator with extensive experience preparing conceptual, parametric, and detailed bottom-up estimates throughout the project lifecycle. This individual will serve as a technical leader, collaborating with Business Development, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Proposal teams to develop winning pricing strategies and high-quality proposals.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Lead the development of construction cost estimates from conceptual planning through detailed design and final proposal submission.
• Prepare accurate estimates using limited or evolving project information by applying industry expertise, historical data, and collaboration with subject matter experts.
• Develop and review conceptual, ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude), parametric, and detailed bottom-up estimates for a variety of project types.
• Lead major proposal estimating efforts, coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver complete and competitive pricing packages.
• Solicit, evaluate, and incorporate subcontractor and vendor quotations into project estimates.
• Perform constructability reviews and identify project risks, assumptions, and cost drivers to improve estimate accuracy.
• Develop pricing strategies, labor billing rate schedules, indirect cost allocations, and estimate documentation for multiple contract types.
• Review estimates prepared by other team members and provide technical guidance and mentorship to promote estimating best practices.
• Support proposal development activities by collaborating with Business Development and Capture teams to develop competitive solutions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, databases, cost assemblies, and standardized estimating models.
• Present estimate assumptions, methodologies, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and project stakeholders.
• Manage multiple estimates simultaneously while meeting aggressive proposal schedules and maintaining a high level of accuracy.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Cost Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline; equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
• 5–10 years of construction and/or environmental industry experience, preferably supporting federal government projects.
• 5–7 years of estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting projects for DoD, DOE, FEMA, USACE, GSA, or other federal, state, or local government agencies.
• Strong experience developing detailed bottom-up estimates as well as conceptual, ROM, and parametric estimates.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as InEight, Sage Estimating (Timberline), RSMeans, or similar industry platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including complex formulas, cost models, and data analysis.
• Working knowledge of contracts, subcontracts, scheduling, procurement, and change order management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines and perform effectively in a fast-paced proposal environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), Certified Cost Professional (CCP), or equivalent professional certification.
• Familiarity with federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS) and government procurement processes.
• Experience developing estimating databases, assemblies, cost models, and standardized estimating procedures.
• Experience supporting large, complex, multi-discipline proposal efforts exceeding $25 million in construction value.