Sr Cost Estimator

Cadient, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to lead cost estimation, budgeting, and control within the Capital Delivery Program. You will help shape cost policies and ensure accurate estimates across multiple projects, reporting to the Director of Project Controls.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management with at least seven years of experience, strong PMIS and Earned Value knowledge, and the ability to train cross-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Minimum seven years of experience preparing cost estimates.
• Strong knowledge of estimating and cost management best practices.
• Knowledge of cost baseline creation and management.
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management.
• Proficient in PMIS and Microsoft 365.
• Ability to train multi-disciplinary teams.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Flexible hours including early morning, evenings, weekends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate cost estimates for the Capital Delivery Program.
• Monitor milestone schedules and update estimates.
• Review and approve estimates for project charters.
• Oversee PMIS costing and training.
• Support cost breakdown structure and schedule of values.
• Manage baseline budgets and track expenditures.
• Promote safe work practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Cost estimation

Cost management

Earned Value Management

PMIS

Microsoft 365

Training

Travel willingness

Analytical thinking

Education

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

Tools

PMIS

Microsoft 365

Job description

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra's Capital Delivery Department oversees the design, construction and administration of Metra capital projects and manages the work of consultants and contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, traction power, and wayfinding and signs. The department also includes Project Management, NEPA, Project Controls, and Project Administration teams.

Reporting to the Director, Project Controls, the Senior Cost Estimator is responsible for the development and coordination of all Cost and Estimating policies, procedures, and systems for Metra's Capital Delivery Program.

The primary duties include:Manage cost and estimating management plans, processes, and procedures (budget and forecast) for all projects within the Capital Delivery Program. Monitor milestone schedules and ensure corresponding estimates are accurately updated in the system and documentation of processes and procedures is entered accurately and updated.Oversee the development and implementation of all project cost estimates within the program and review and approve estimates needed for project charters.Oversee the implementation, use, and training on the Project Management Information System (PMIS) for costing and estimating projects; participate in updating training materials; and provide training to system users and team members.Support the Director, Project Controls in developing cost breakdown structure and schedule of values for all projects within the program.Oversee setup and initial loading of baseline budget into budget management system; record commitments and expenditures; track all budgets, commitments, and expenditure transactions; identify and track potential cost issues/overruns; and work with project team to resolve issues and correct errors.Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.Perform otherrelated duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• In addition to #1 above, must have a minimum of seven years of experience preparing cost estimates, preferably in an infrastructure related field.
• Considerable knowledge of estimating and cost management best practices and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of cost baseline creation and management.
• Knowledge of the estimating and cost PMIS best practices.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management.
• Good organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced level math skills.
• Proficient in PMIS and Microsoft 365.
• Ability to conduct training consisting of multi-disciplinary members.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to complete assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

• Project Management Professional

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.
Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

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