Senior Estimator

AACE International; Baton Rouge (LA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

APTIM is seeking an experienced Senior Construction Estimator to lead cost estimating for a broad range of construction and environmental projects, with emphasis on DoD, DOE, FEMA and other government clients.

The role requires developing conceptual, ROM and detailed bottom-up estimates, coordinating with Business Development, Engineering and Proposal teams to craft competitive pricing strategies and robust proposals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Cost Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related discipline; equivalent experience considered.
• 5–10 years in construction/environmental industry, preferably with federal projects.
• 5–7 years estimating/preconstruction experience.
• Experience supporting DoD/DOE/FEMA/USACE/GSA or similar agencies.
• Experience developing detailed bottom-up, conceptual, ROM and parametric estimates.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as InEight, Sage Estimating, RSMeans or similar.
• Advanced Excel skills with complex formulas, cost models and data analysis.
• Knowledge of contracts, subcontracts, scheduling, procurement and change orders.
• Strong communication, organization and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of construction cost estimates from conceptual planning to final proposal submission.
• Prepare estimates using available project information and historical data with SME input.
• Develop ROM, parametric and detailed bottom-up estimates for diverse project types.
• Lead proposal estimating efforts with cross-functional teams for winning pricing packages.
• Incorporate subcontractor/vendor quotes into project estimates.
• Perform constructability reviews and identify risks and cost drivers.
• Develop pricing strategies, labor rates, indirect costs and estimate documentation for contracts.
• Review estimates and mentor team members on estimating practices.
• Support proposal development with Business Development and Capture teams.
• Improve estimating processes, tools, databases and standard models.
• Present estimate assumptions, methodologies and risks to leadership.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Deadline prioritization

Communication/presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

InEight

Sage Estimating (Timberline)

RSMeans

Excel

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.