Senior Estimator -- Level III (MTA)

PACO Group, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 96,432 - 117,096; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) and matching

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Professional Development Assistance

Job summary

PACO Group, Inc. is seeking a Senior Estimator – Level III based in New York. The candidate will support MTA's capital projects by preparing and analyzing complex cost estimates, collaborating with various stakeholders, and ensuring estimates reflect market conditions.

With at least 14 years of experience required, the role offers a salary range of $70-$85 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits such as health insurance and 401(k) matching are provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum fourteen (14) years of relevant experience.
• Experience with large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Expertise in cost data analysis and construction practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist in executing cost estimating processes for capital projects.
• Prepare labor and material cost estimates across design phases.
• Analyze drawings and specifications for estimating purposes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team building

Problem-solving

Detail Orientation

Technical writing

Estimating software proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

HCSS estimating software

Job description

Position Overview

PACO Group (PACO) is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator – Level III to provide on-site estimating support to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Construction & Development (C&D) organization, supporting the Metro‑North Railroad (MNR) Business Unit – Project Controls.

The Senior Estimator will work under the direction of the Principal Estimator and will be responsible for preparing, reviewing, validating, and analyzing cost estimates for complex capital program projects across all design phases, including conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documentation. This role plays a critical function in supporting capital program budgeting, cost forecasting, risk assessment, and scope validation, ensuring estimates accurately reflect current market conditions, project logistics, and design intent. The position requires a highly analytical professional with extensive experience in large‑scale infrastructure projects and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities And Duties

Estimating & Cost Development

• Assist the Principal Estimator in executing comprehensive cost estimating processes for complex capital projects.
• Prepare detailed labor and material cost estimates across all design phases, from early conceptual through construction documentation.
• Perform quantity take‑offs and detailed cost breakdowns for all major construction disciplines.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and technical documents to identify cost drivers, assumptions, and constraints.
• Review and finalize unit cost pricing to reflect current market conditions, logistics, and procurement strategies.
• Obtain, validate, and incorporate current pricing data from industry databases, contractors, and suppliers.

Benchmarking, Risk, and Cost Validation

• Review historical benchmark cost data and identify variances from current estimates.
• Evaluate estimates to identify potential risks, environmental impacts, financial implications, and schedule impacts.
• Support early‑stage cost forecasting using industry experience, historical data, and benchmarking methodologies.
• Coordinate with architects and engineers to refine scope and improve estimate accuracy.

Coordination & Documentation

• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including project controls, engineering, architecture, and construction teams.
• Consult with the Principal Estimator as needed within the assigned functional area.
• Participate in estimate reviews and methodology development under the guidance of the Principal Estimator.
• Prepare clear, defensible estimating documentation suitable for capital program decision‑making.
• Interpret technical documents accurately and promote continuous improvement in estimating practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Construction, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum fourteen (14) years of relevant experience, including work on large‑scale projects.
• Experience leading or independently developing detailed material and cost estimates for major capital projects, typically in the range of approximately $100M to $200M (+/-).
• Demonstrated knowledge of all major construction disciplines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of construction costs, budgets, and scheduling practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of construction methods, techniques, and equipment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in mathematics, statistics, and cost data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Estimator or Associate Estimating Professional certification.
• Experience supporting capital programs within transit, railroad, or public agency environments.
• Prior experience working with MTA, MTA C&D, Metro‑North Railroad, or similar public transportation agencies.

Skills And Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent team building, problem‑solving, and prioritization skills.
• Significant analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve successful results and promote organizational effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Strong technical writing and cost reporting capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple estimating efforts concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and other estimating software (such as HCSS) within a Windows environment.
• Professional judgment, reliability, and commitment to accuracy, quality, and collaboration.

Work Environment and Schedule

• Full‑time, on‑site role based out of MNR headquarters in New York.
• Standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, eight (8) hours per day; however, the schedule may adjust slightly based on MNR operational needs.
• Limited hybrid flexibility (e.g., up to one day per week remote) may be considered, subject to MNR approval, project needs and site requirements.
• Contract assignment duration is 12 months, with the possibility of an extension.
• Travel within the New York metropolitan area may be required for meetings, coordination activities, or project‑related engagements.

Compensation

• The good‑faith salary range for this position is $70–$85 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications and client requirements.
• Candidates with greater depth of experience or specialized expertise may fall toward the higher end of the range, and exceptional candidates may be considered for compensation outside of this range, consistent with client budget and company policy.

Benefits Summary

• 401(k) and 401(k) Employer Matching
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Group Life Insurance, LTD and AD&D
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Professional Development Assistance

EEO Diversity Statement

PACO Group, Inc. is committed to furthering opportunities for everyone in the national construction market. The firm periodically reaffirms this commitment through an active affirmative action plan. It provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees without unlawful discrimination regarding race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, religion, military status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or citizenship status. As an equal opportunity employer, we have recruited, hired, promoted, and retained an ethnically and socially diverse professional staff. Our efforts to date have produced a multidisciplinary workforce—a record of diversity that extends to the highest levels of the firm’s management.