Sr Estimator

DPR Construction; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

DPR Construction is seeking a Lead Cost Estimator to drive complex project cost estimates and influence bidding strategies across our portfolio.

You will mentor teams, coordinate with cross-functional groups, and develop standards for estimating, risk assessment, and value engineering, ensuring accurate budgets and competitive project pursuits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or related field.
• 6–8 years of experience in estimating or project controls.
• 1–2 years of managerial experience preferred.
• Certifications not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and validation of cost estimates for complex or high-value projects.
• Direct multidisciplinary reviews of project documentation, risk analysis, and constructability assessments.
• Develop and implement advanced estimating tools, methodologies, and benchmarking processes.
• Advise executive leadership on cost strategies, risk mitigation, and value engineering efforts.
• Negotiate with vendors, subcontractors, and partners for pricing and terms on major components.
• Mentor team members on estimating processes and procedures.

Skills

Cost estimating

Project controls

Market intelligence

Leadership

Negotiation

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management or related field

Tools

Estimating tools

Job description

Job Description 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.

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 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.

The DPR family of companies is closing the gap between design and construction with an integrated collection of products and services to build smarter, move faster and achieve strong results. Our approximately 11,000 employees share a commitment to growth, innovation and building great things—great teams, great careers and great projects that change the world.

DPR is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at DPR are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical or mental disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. DPR will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Read more in our EEOE Policy.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application or any step in the process: In the US, call Human Resources at 650-474-1450 In Europe, email [e-mail] If you are seeking information on how DPR protects applicant data, please review our Privacy Policy.