Sr. Cost Estimator - Transportation

LJA; Pearland (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO and holidays

Comprehensive benefits

Family leave

Tuition reimbursement

Referral bonuses

Volunteer days

Professional development

Career growth

Fun culture

Job summary

LJA is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to join our Transportation practice. You will develop, manage, and review cost estimates from planning through final design, procurement, and construction, collaborating with engineers, PMs, and clients to guide funding and delivery strategies.

You will mentor junior estimators while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and supporting project pursuits and client presentations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of transportation estimating experience.
• Strong understanding of transportation construction means and methods.
• Proficiency with industry estimating software and advanced Excel skills.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed construction cost estimates for transportation infrastructure projects.
• Develop quantity takeoffs, unit-price analyses, escalation forecasts, and engineer opinions of probable construction cost.
• Evaluate project plans and specifications to identify cost drivers and risks.
• Analyze historical bid data, market conditions, labor trends, and material pricing.
• Prepare Basis of Estimate reports and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Support project pursuits and client presentations.
• Mentor junior estimators.

Skills

Estimating experience

Construction methods

Estimating software

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Civil Eng degree

Job description

What Lja Has To Offer

LJA is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands‑on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

What Makes Lja Different

At LJA, our employee‑owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee-owned. Client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW:

A Senior Cost Estimator within LJA's Transportation practice, you will be responsible for developing, managing, and reviewing construction cost estimates ranging from early planning-level concepts through final design, procurement and construction. You will work collaboratively with engineers, project managers, and clients to identify project costs, evaluate alternatives, assess risks, and support funding and delivery strategies.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Prepare detailed construction cost estimates for transportation infrastructure projects.
• Develop quantity takeoffs, unit-price analyses, escalation forecasts, and engineer opinions of probable construction cost.
• Evaluate project plans and specifications to identify cost drivers and risks.
• Analyze historical bid data, market conditions, labor trends, and material pricing.
• Prepare Basis of Estimate reports and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Support project pursuits and client presentations.
• Mentor junior estimators.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or related field.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of transportation estimating experience.
• Strong understanding of transportation construction means and methods.
• Proficiency with industry estimating software and advanced Excel skills.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE:

• PE, CCP, CEP, or similar certification.
• Experience with TxDOT, toll authorities, MPOs, and/or municipalities.
• Alternative Delivery experience including Design-Build and P3.
• Cost Schedule Risk Assessment workshop experience.
• Risk-based estimating and lifecycle cost analysis experience.

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we’re 100% employee‑owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long‑term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee‑owners (and growing), we’re building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.

• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in‑house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
• Community Impact: Company‑sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
• Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.