Sr. Estimator

CBRE; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Sign-on bonus (select positions)

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 United States. You will analyze drawings, specifications and client requirements to build budgets and proposals while ensuring alignment with scope and standards.

You will lead estimating efforts across multi-building deployments, shaping pricing strategy and managing risk to drive the commercial

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

Fiber estimating

Low-voltage

Structured cabling

Hyperscale data centers

Vendor management

Pricing strategy

Leadership

Bid management

Tools

Bluebeam

Estimating platforms

Excel

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.