Senior Estimator (MEP)

Cordoba Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

Cordoba Corporation seeks a Senior Estimator (MEP) to develop, review, and validate cost estimates for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems on complex building projects in Los Angeles. The role includes evaluating bids, change orders, and pricing data to support budget planning and project delivery.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in MEP estimating, cost containment, and collaborative work with PMs, engineers, and architects. This onsite position is based in Los Angeles, CA.

Qualifications

• Ten years of experience in cost estimation for building construction, with 5–7 years in MEP estimating.
• BS/BA in Engineering or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Expert in cost estimating methods and contracting pricing.
• Knowledge of Design Build, Design Bid Build, and Job Order Contracting forms.

Responsibilities

• Senior estimator specializing in MEP trades reporting to PMO Program Controls Manager and Lead Estimator.
• Plan and prepare construction cost estimates from drawings and specifications.
• Evaluate consultant and contractor cost proposals for accuracy and cost containment.
• Prepare estimates for change orders and extra work; develop cost analyses and reports for project planning.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-savings measures with project teams.
• Conduct site visits and quantity surveys for MEP systems; perform material takeoffs.
• Compare estimates with contractor proposals to identify discrepancies.

Skills

Excel

Cost estimation

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

BS/BA in Engineering/Architecture/Construction Management

Tools

RS Means

Accubid

Trimble MEP

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Overview

Cordoba is seeking a Senior Estimator (MEP - Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) to support the Facilities Sector. The ideal candidate is a senior-level construction estimating professional responsible for developing, reviewing, and validating cost estimates for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems on complex building and infrastructure projects. Reporting to the PMO Program Controls Manager and Lead Estimator, this role prepares detailed estimates based on project scope, design documents, and specifications; evaluates consultant and contractor cost proposals for accuracy, completeness, and cost containment; and assists in resolving pricing discrepancies. The Estimator IV (MEP) conducts site visits, gathers project data, prepares estimates for change orders and extra work, and develops reports and cost analyses to support project planning, budgeting, and successful project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Senior level estimator who specializes in Mechanical, Electrical, and Pluming (MEP) trades to report to PMO Program Controls Manager and Lead Estimator.
• Plan and participate in the preparation of construction cost estimates of buildings or other structures from drawings, outlines, and specifications.
• Prepare estimates per design based on scope and building type.
• Evaluate cost-estimating deliverables prepared by consultants for cost containment, accuracy, uniformity and completeness.
• Prepare fair cost estimates for cost proposals from Contractors for extra work.
• Perform special studies and prepare reports when contractors’ bids vary from the construction cost estimate.
• Conduct construction/project site visits gathering relevant information and determine what information to be used to produce project estimates.
• Conduct material takeoffs and quantity surveys for MEP systems, including mechanical, electrical,and plumbing components.
• Evaluate pricing documents, historical and vendor cost data for the development of cost estimatesand price recommendations.
• Evaluate quotes, bids, change orders, value engineering reports, and claims for accuracy andcompleteness of estimates.
• Compile and analyze data on all factors that influence costs such as material, labor, equipment andprofit.
• Prepare technical evaluations, cost estimating draft report, memos, letters, and presentrecommendation to management.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and architects to identify value engineeringopportunities and cost-savings measures.
• Perform other related estimating duties as assigned.
• Ability to compare cost estimates with contractors’ proposal to identify discrepancies.
• Ability to develop scope of work based on RFI/RFC, answers and estimates the detailed costs ofthose scopes of work independent of the contractor proposal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to perform basic calculations in Excel.

Qualifications

• Ten (10) years minimum of recent professional experience in the preparation of complete costestimates for type I, II, or III, and V building construction as defined by the State building codeincluding 5 - 7 years of MEP estimating.
• BS/BA Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or other related degree.Additional qualifying experience in excess to the minimum stated above may be substituted forthe required education on a year for year basis.
• Expert in theories, principles, and practices of cost estimating and contract pricing.
• Expert in Design Build, Design Bid Build and Job Order Contracting forms of contracting.
• Full knowledge of construction methods for buildings and structures.
• Full knowledge of current local construction labor and material costs.
• Full knowledge of MEP systems, construction methods, and industry standards.
• Extensive experience in developing and estimating the scope of work for change orders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Prevailing Wage/Union Labor rates.
• Knowledge and use of NECA and MCAA labor productivity.
• Knowledge and use of RS Means, Accubid, Trimble MEP, or Bluebeam Revu.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and thoroughness.
• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Salary Range: $170,000 to $187,000/yearly

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Work Environment: Onsite

Our Company

Cordoba Corporation is a nationally recognized civil engineering, construction management, program management, and planning firm. We specialize in education and facilities, transportation, and water and energy. In collaboration with our clients, Cordoba has facilitated the development of several complex and highly visible infrastructure projects throughout California.

Our efforts have resulted in national recognition for four consecutive years as a “top 100 professional service firm,” in addition to a “top 50 program management firm” by Engineering News-Record.

Cordoba's business model has been commended for its efficiency, encouraging work dynamic, and its multifaceted approach toward projects. Many of our professionals have received praise in the media as leaders in their field of expertise.

We have established a statewide presence throughout California. Headquartered in Los Angeles, we also have offices located in San Francisco, Santa Ana, and San Diego.

Cordoba Corporation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Cordoba Corporation expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

If you need special assistance or accommodation, please contact Cordoba Corporations HR Department at: [phone].