Sr. Cost Engineer

S+B James Construction; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Sick days

Wellness days

Paid holidays

Discretionary bonus

Company events in the community

Recruiting bonuses

Company credit card

Annual Christmas party

Kings Suite access

Job summary

S+B James Construction in California is seeking a Sr. Cost Engineer to join our Preconstruction team.

You will develop accurate cost models, perform detailed quantity take-offs, and evaluate subcontractor proposals to help drive competitive bids. This full-time position requires a bachelor’s degree in CM/engineering/architecture and 3+ years in estimating or cost engineering in commercial general contracting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CM, engineering, architecture, or related field.
• 3+ years of estimating, cost engineering, or preconstruction in a commercial GC environment.
• Proficiency in estimating software (Sage, Timberline, WinEst) and take-off tools (Bluebeam, OST).

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantity take-offs and prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates during preconstruction.
• Build and maintain historical cost data for benchmarking and forecasting.
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals for completeness and alignment with project requirements.
• Coordinate with Preconstruction, Estimating, subcontractors, clients, and design team to ensure accurate documentation.
• Support value engineering to achieve cost efficiency while preserving scope and design intent.
• Participate in constructability reviews and site investigations to guide the design team.
• Assist in developing project phasing, bid packages, and procurement strategies.

Skills

Analytical and quantitative skills

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Tools

Sage

Timberline

WinEst

Bluebeam

OST

Job description

Are you tired of managing the same types of projects over and over with no opportunities for growth or diversity? Look no further! We are a thriving construction company founded in 1977 and we want you to join our team.

Our Mission and Vision: To be the most trusted building partner in the communities that we serve. This is our goal in EVERYTHING that we do. This is how we know we are successful as a company. To reach this, we understand that our relationships are everything. Our relationships with owners, each other, and our community.

Our core values are:

• Be there for each other
• Support our communities
• Be transparent
• Make things right

S+B James Construction has been setting the standard for excellence in healthcare, education, life sciences, commercial, retail, industrial, and public works construction in Southern Oregon and Northern California.

S+B James is an equal opportunity Employer. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Position Overview: We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Sr. Cost Engineer to join our Preconstruction team. This role is responsible for supporting the estimating and preconstruction process by developing accurate cost models, conducting detailed quantity take-offs, evaluating subcontractor proposals, and assisting with budget development.

Position Location:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct detailed quantity take-offs and prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates during the preconstruction phase.
• Build and maintain historical cost data to support benchmarking, forecasting, and future project planning.
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with project requirements.
• Coordinate with Preconstruction Management, Estimating, subcontractors, clients, and the design team to ensure accurate project documentation and alignment throughout preconstruction.
• Support value engineering initiatives to achieve cost efficiency while preserving scope, quality, and design intent.
• Participate in constructability reviews and site investigations to provide input and guidance to the design team and client.
• Assist in developing project phasing plans, bid packages, and procurement strategies to support successful project delivery.

What we are looking for:

• Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills with attention to detail.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in estimating, cost engineering, or preconstruction within a commercial general contracting environment.
• Strong proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Sage, Timberline, WinEst, or similar) and on-screen take-off tools (e.g., Bluebeam, OST).
• Solid understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and building systems.
• Familiarity with CSI divisions and construction means and methods.

Full Time / Salary Range: $100k-$130k/year (Depending on experience)

• 100% Health insurance for Employee
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Sick Days
• Wellness Days
• Paid Holidays
• Discretionary Bonus
• Company sponsored events in the community
• Recruiting Bonuses
• Company Credit Card
• Annual Christmas Party with Hotel
• Use of SBJ Kings Suite - Light the Beam!