Sr Estimator

DPR Construction; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

DPR Construction is seeking a seasoned estimator to lead the development and execution of cost estimates for complex, high-value projects in the United States. This role influences acquisition, profitability and organizational growth by guiding risk analysis and pricing with cross-functional teams.

With 6–8 years in estimating or related fields, you will mentor others, optimize processes, and advance benchmarking methods while collaborating with Family of Companies and Self-Perform teams to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field required.
• 6–8 years of estimating, cost analysis, project controls or related experience.
• 1–2 years in a managerial capacity preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads the preparation and validation of comprehensive cost estimates for complex or high-value projects, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Directs multidisciplinary teams in the review of project documentation, risk analysis, and constructability assessments to optimize estimate quality and project outcomes.
• Develops and implements advanced estimating tools, methodologies, and benchmarking processes to enhance accuracy and efficiency across the organization.
• Advises executive leadership and project sponsors on cost strategies, risk mitigation, and leads value engineering price efforts supporting strategic decision-making.
• Negotiates with vendors, subcontractors, and partners to secure optimal pricing and contractual terms for major project components.
• Drives continuous improvement by evaluating estimating performance, capturing lessons learned, and institutionalizing leading practices.
• Mentors team members by sharing expertise, resources and guidance on complex estimating processes and procedures.

Skills

Estimating

Cost analysis

Project controls

Vendor negotiation

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field

Job description

Life Science experience preferred.At DPR, roles and responsibilities are more than describing a job title—they are a commitment to building great things together. The job description(s) below defines core responsibilities and the scope of the role and is a starting point. Every employee is expected to lead from where they are, take ownership of outcomes, and always act in the best interest of the team, customer, project and organization.As a purpose-driven organization on a journey to be most admired, we rely on trust, shared leadership, open communication, disciplined action and a deep respect for the individual to drive exceptional performance. Success is not just about what we build, but who we build and how we build it: with integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness and an ever-forward mindset.Job Summary:Leads the development and execution of complex and strategic project cost estimates, directly influencing project acquisition, profitability, and organizational growth. Contributes to organizational estimating standards and leading practices by mentoring team members, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of excellence in estimating activities and operations. Integrates extensive analytical methodologies and market intelligence to anticipate risks, validate assumptions, and drive competitive advantage in project pursuits. Orchestrates cross-functional collaboration among project teams and external partners to ensure alignment of estimating strategies with business objectives. Engages and coordinates with Family of Companies and Self Perform work teams to include accurate pricing, ensure clear alignment of Scope, estimate development and schedule considerations into project budgets. Elevates client and stakeholder confidence through expert communication, negotiation, and delivery of actionable insights that support critical business decisions.Key Responsibilities:Leads the preparation and validation of comprehensive cost estimates for complex or high-value projects, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with organizational goals.Directs multidisciplinary teams in the review of project documentation, risk analysis, and constructability assessments to optimize estimate quality and project outcomes.Develops and implements advanced estimating tools, methodologies, and benchmarking processes to enhance accuracy and efficiency across the organization.Advises executive leadership and project sponsors on cost strategies, risk mitigation, and leads value engineering price efforts supporting strategic decision-making.Negotiates with vendors, subcontractors, and partners to secure optimal pricing and contractual terms for major project components.Drives continuous improvement by evaluating estimating performance, capturing lessons learned, and institutionalizing leading practices.Mentors team members by sharing expertise, resources and guidance on complex estimating processes and procedures.Education Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, a related field, or equivalent experience required.Work Experience:6 - 8 years of experience in estimating, cost analysis, project controls, or a related field required. Including 1-2 years of experience in a managerial capacity preferred.1 - 2 years of experience in a managerial capacity preferred.Certifications and Licenses:None required.Anticipated starting pay range:$140,000.00- $210,000.00Nothing is more important than your health and wellness. DPR offers a variety of medical, dental, vision and wellness benefits to keep you healthy. Read more about eligibility and available benefits programsfor skilled craft and labor or experienced professionals and recent graduates .DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world.Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore unique paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together—by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers .