Sr. Estimator

CBRE; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 117,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

CBRE DIRECTLINE, a CBRE Data Center Solutions business, seeks a Senior Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates for low-voltage fiber systems on large hyperscale data center projects in the US. You will lead estimates from early budgeting through IFC and final bid, coordinating with sales, operations, and project teams to align with scope and client standards.

The role requires deep expertise in structured cabling, OSP/ISP fiber, and proficiency with estimating tools such as Bluebeam.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of fiber or low-voltage estimating experience.
• Experience with hyperscale or mission-critical data center projects strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of OSP/ISP fiber systems, structured cabling, and installation methods.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale or complex estimates.
• Strong commercial acumen (pricing strategy, escalation, risk analysis).
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, and estimating platforms.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and procurement strategies.
• Strong leadership, organization, and ability to perform in fast-paced bid environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle estimating efforts (budget → design → IFC → bid).
• Prepare detailed and conceptual estimates for fiber systems (SMF/MMF, OSP/ISP, MPO/MTP, high-count fiber).
• Develop and maintain labor-driven cost models (pulling, splicing, terminating, testing).
• Build scalable estimates for multi-building and campus-style deployments.
• Manage vendor pricing, subcontractor quotes, and long-lead procurement strategies.
• Identify scope gaps, risks, and cost exposures, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Drive pricing strategy, including alternates, allowances, and escalation considerations.
• Coordinate with operations, project teams, and clients (GCs, owners).
• Track scope changes, RFIs, and addenda throughout the bid process.
• Support bid reviews and present estimate summaries to leadership.

Skills

Excel

Bluebeam

Estimating platforms

Vendor management

Leadership

Pricing strategy

Cost modeling

Structured cabling

Low-voltage fiber systems

Project estimation

Tools

Bluebeam

Excel

Estimating software

Job description

CBRE DIRECTLINE, a CBRE Data Center Solutions business, is a leading technology infrastructure services provider enabling mission critical data center infrastructure for the world’s technology leaders. Catering to a broad spectrum of technology and client requirements, 1200+ skilled technicians deliver over 1000 projects annually across data center markets in the US and APAC. DL has proven success in the deployment of next-generation infrastructure technologies across the data center lifecycle; from design & planning, install & build through Day 2 maintenance, technology upgrades & retrofits, including delivering the latest wave of AI/ML platforms.

About The Role

The Senior Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive cost estimates for low-voltage fiber systems on large-scale hyperscale data center projects. This role analyzes drawings, specifications, and client requirements to build detailed budgets and proposals while ensuring alignment with scope, constructability, and client standards.

You will lead estimating efforts across multi-building, campus-scale deployments, delivering estimates from early-stage budgeting through IFC and final bid. This position plays a critical role in shaping pricing strategy, managing risk, and driving the overall commercial success of mission-critical projects.

Key responsibilities include preparing detailed proposals, managing vendor and subcontractor pricing, coordinating with sales, operations, and project management teams, and tracking scope changes and change orders throughout the bid process. The role requires deep expertise in structured cabling, low-voltage fiber systems, hyperscale data center environments, and proficiency with estimating tools such as Bluebeam.

What You Will Do

• Lead full-cycle estimating efforts (budget → design → IFC → bid)
• Prepare detailed and conceptual estimates for fiber systems (SMF/MMF, OSP/ISP, MPO/MTP, high-count fiber)
• Develop and maintain labor-driven cost models (pulling, splicing, terminating, testing)
• Build scalable estimates for multi-building and campus-style deployments
• Manage vendor pricing, subcontractor quotes, and long-lead procurement strategies
• Identify scope gaps, risks, and cost exposures, and develop mitigation strategies
• Drive pricing strategy, including alternates, allowances, and escalation considerations
• Coordinate with operations, project teams, and clients (GCs, owners)
• Track scope changes, RFIs, and addenda throughout the bid process
• Support bid reviews and present estimate summaries to leadership

What You Will Need

• 8–12+ years of fiber or low-voltage estimating experience
• Experience with hyperscale or mission-critical data center projects strongly preferred
• Deep knowledge of OSP/ISP fiber systems, structured cabling, and installation methods
• Proven ability to lead large-scale or complex estimates
• Strong commercial acumen (pricing strategy, escalation, risk analysis)
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, and estimating platforms
• Experience managing vendor relationships and procurement strategies
• Strong leadership, organization, and ability to perform in fast-paced bid environments

Why CBRE

When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.

Our Values In Hiring

At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.

Disclaimers

Relocation assistance and sign-on bonuses may be available on select positions only, for qualified candidates based on role requirements and experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

#directline #cbredirectlinereferral

CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. The maximum salary for the Sr. Estimator position is $130,000 annually. The compensation offered to a successful candidate will depend on their skills, qualifications, and experience. Successful candidates will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on CBRE’s applicable benefit program.

This role will provide the following benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We have a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at [e-mail] or via telephone at [phone] (U.S.) and [phone] (Canada).