Senior Estimator - Drywall

DPR Construction; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DPR Construction in Reston seeks an experienced SPW Estimator to lead the development of detailed cost estimates for self-perform work on large, complex projects. You will integrate market data and technical expertise to drive accurate, competitive bids and set estimating standards.

You will mentor SPW teams, implement new tools, and collaborate with project leaders and executives to align strategies with client objectives. This role is on-site in Reston, VA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field.
• 6-8 years of SPW estimating and cost analysis experience required.
• None of the certifications are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and validation of detailed SPW cost estimates for large projects.
• Review project documentation, conduct risk analysis, and optimize estimate quality.
• Develop and implement SPW estimating tools and benchmarking processes.
• Advise SPW leaders on cost strategies, risk mitigation, and sequencing.
• Negotiate with vendors and subcontractors for favorable pricing and terms.
• Drive continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned across SPW operations.
• Mentor team members with guidance on complex estimating processes.

Skills

SPW estimating

Cost analysis

Project controls

Risk analysis

Vendor negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management or related field

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Job Description At DPR, roles and responsibilities are more than describing a job title—they are a commitment to building great things together. The job description(s) below defines core responsibilities and the scope of the role and is a starting point. Every employee is expected to lead from where they are, take ownership of outcomes, and always act in the best interest of the team, customer, project and organization. As a purpose-driven organization on a journey to be most admired, we rely on trust, shared leadership, open communication, disciplined action and a deep respect for the individual to drive exceptional performance. Success is not just about what we build, but who we build and how we build it: with integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness and an ever-forward mindset.

Job Summary

Leads the development and execution of complex Self-Perform Work (SPW) cost estimates, driving operational excellence and competitive differentiation in direct work delivery. Integrates deep technical expertise and market intelligence to proactively assess risks, optimize SPW scopes, and ensure estimates reflect the latest industry innovations. Orchestrates collaboration among SPW crews, project leaders, and executive stakeholders to align estimating strategies with organizational and client objectives. Shapes SPW estimating standards and methodologies by leading process innovation, mentoring teams, and embedding continuous improvement. Elevates organizational reputation by delivering expert guidance, negotiation, and actionable insights that inform critical SPW business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads the preparation and validation of detailed SPW cost estimates, reviews and presenations for complex or large-scale projects, clearly communicating assumptions, findings, and recommendations to project stakeholders while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with organizational and client goals.
• Directs SPW teams in the review of project documentation, constructability assessments, and risk analysis to optimize estimate quality and execution strategies, ensuring accurate productivity assumptions and field execution.
• Develops and implements advanced SPW estimating tools, methodologies, and benchmarking processes to drive innovation and efficiency.
• Advises Lead Estimator and SPW leaders on SPW cost strategies, risk mitigation, sequencing and logistics, SPW production and value engineering opportunities, supporting strategic decision-making.
• Negotiates with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to secure optimal pricing and contractual terms for SPW scopes.
• Drives continuous improvement by evaluating SPW estimating performance, capturing lessons learned, and institutionalizing best practices across SPW operations.
• Mentors team members by sharing expertise, resources and technical guidance on complex estimating processes and procedures in SPW projects.

Education Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, a related field, or equivalent experience required.

Work Experience

6 - 8 years of experience in SPW estimating, cost analysis, project controls, or a related field required.

Certifications and Licenses

None required.

About DPR Construction

DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world.

Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek. Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers.

The DPR family of companies is closing the gap between design and construction with an integrated collection of products and services to build smarter, move faster and achieve strong results. Our approximately 11,000 employees share a commitment to growth, innovation and building great things—great teams, great careers and great projects that change the world.

DPR is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at DPR are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical or mental disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. DPR will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

in our EEOE Policy.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application or any step in the process:

In the US, call Human Resources at 650-474-1450

In Europe, email [e-mail]

If you are seeking information on how DPR protects applicant data, please review our Privacy Policy.