Senior Cost Estimator-Change Management & Cost Assurance

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimator to provide independent cost estimating, estimate assurance, and commercial support for major capital infrastructure programs. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned estimating professional who thrives in large, complex transportation and infrastructure environments and enjoys working alongside project leadership to ensure cost accuracy, commercial integrity, and successful project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Cost Estimating & Estimate Assurance: Review and validate detailed contractor and consultant estimates; perform independent cost estimates (ICEs); analyze quantities, labor productivity, equipment utilization, indirect costs, escalation, and contingency; evaluate estimating methodologies and identify cost risks; benchmark estimates against industry standards; provide expert recommendations regarding estimate accuracy and completeness.
• Change Management & Commercial Support: Review contractor change order proposals and claims; evaluate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, overhead, profit, and schedule impacts; develop independent pricing to support negotiations; support contract administration and dispute resolution; recommend fair and reasonable pricing strategies.
• Construction Cost Support: Analyze construction means and methods; evaluate sequencing, phasing, access restrictions, and schedule impacts; assess commercial risks during construction; support forecasting, contingency management, and cost reporting; provide independent commercial guidance throughout project execution.
• Risk & Cost Analysis: Support project risk assessments; evaluate estimate confidence levels and uncertainty; analyze market trends, labor availability, procurement risks, and material pricing; assist in developing cost management strategies and recommendations.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with Project Controls, Construction Management, Commercial Management, Engineering, Procurement, Quality, and Program Management teams; present estimate findings and recommendations to project leadership; facilitate estimate review workshops and commercial discussions; build strong relationships with contractors, consultants, and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Economics, Finance, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in Cost Engineering, Cost Estimating, Project Controls, Commercial Management, or Construction Management.
• Experience supporting major infrastructure construction projects.
• Proven expertise in estimate validation, independent cost estimating, change order evaluation, and commercial negotiations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experience on projects exceeding $500 million.
• Experience working for owners, program managers, construction managers, or major infrastructure contractors.
• Significant estimating experience in one or more of the following: Rail & Transit, Transportation Infrastructure, Heavy Civil Construction, Tunnels, Bridges & Highways, Utilities, Airports, Marine & Port Facilities, Large Public Infrastructure Programs.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Cost Estimating: InEight Estimate, HeavyBid (HCSS), CostOS, Cleopatra Enterprise, Sage Estimating / Timberline, Success Estimator.
• Project Controls: Primavera P6, Oracle Primavera Cloud, Microsoft Project.
• Commercial & Change Management: Kahua, EcoSys, ARES PRISM, Procore.
• Data & Reporting: Advanced Microsoft Excel (Power Query, Pivot Tables), Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft 365, ERP Systems (Oracle, SAP, Deltek, Sage).

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
• Certified Estimating Professional (CEP)
• Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP)
• Decision & Risk Management Professional (DRMP)
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Professional Engineer (PE)
• MRICS or FRICS
• Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)

Candidates actively pursuing these certifications are encouraged to apply.

Pay

Good-faith compensation rate range is around $85–$95 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, certifications, technical expertise, and client requirements.

Benefits

• 401(k) and 401(k) employer matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Group life insurance, LTD and AD&D
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Professional development assistance