Senior Rail Construction Cost Estimator

AACE International; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 94,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Amtrak is seeking a Lead Cost Estimator to join our Cost Estimating team in Philadelphia, supporting mid‑sized to large capital construction projects. You will prepare cost estimates, develop the basis of estimate, and collaborate with Project Managers to ensure accuracy and alignment with enterprise procedures.

You will conduct QC on peers' estimates, quantify scope elements, and help develop risk registers and contingency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience in cost estimating.
• Minimum six years of experience in large-scale construction project estimating.
• Experience on large to mega capital construction projects preferred.
• Experience with risk assessment and contingency development is a plus.
• Railroad industry experience and certifications (CCT/CCP/CEP/PMP) advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Project Manager to create estimates at multiple scope levels using InEight and Excel.
• Develop Basis of Estimate documents and support cost estimate development.
• Perform QC checks and generate Cost Estimate Review Reports.
• Quantify work packages, direct and indirect costs, and soft costs like management.
• Contribute to contingency development and risk assessments.
• Assist with change orders and mentor junior estimators.
• Conduct site visits to support estimate development and scope understanding.

Skills

Cost estimating

InEight Estimate

Excel

QC checks

Budgeting

Data analysis

SQL

Mentoring

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education, training and/or relevant experience

Six years of experience in large-scale construction project estimating

Tools

InEight Estimate

Heavy Bid

Sage Timberline

RS Means

Job description

Amtrak is seeking a Lead Cost Estimator to join our Cost Estimating team in Philadelphia, supporting mid‑sized to large capital construction projects. You will prepare cost estimates, develop the basis of estimate, and collaborate with Project Managers to ensure accuracy and alignment with enterprise procedures.

You will conduct QC on peers' estimates, quantify scope elements, and help develop risk registers and contingency.