Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Position Overview

The Cost Estimator supports project planning, design, and construction by preparing and reviewing Independent Cost Estimates (ICE), providing constructability insights, and leading or supporting cost negotiations. This role contributes to budgeting, change order evaluations, and vendor pricing analysis, ensuring transparency and accuracy in construction cost management.

Essential Job Duties

Develop and review detailed Independent Cost Estimates based on conceptual design, engineering drawings, and historical data.

Analyze factors such as phasing, operations impacts, shifts, resources, time constraints, and access requirements (e.g., badging) that influence cost.

Prepare comprehensive breakdowns including labor hours, material costs, composite crew rates, equipment usage, and subcontractor bids.

Generate and present Constructability Reports to identify and address deficiencies and ambiguities in project plans.

Lead or contribute to estimate reconciliations with third-party estimators, maintaining collaboration and transparency throughout the process.

Evaluate bids from contractors, subcontractors, and vendors; validate against ICE and recognized pricing standards such as R.S. Means, Caltrans, and internal benchmarks.

Conduct material take-offs and quantify systems and subsystems across engineering disciplines.

Participate in and/or lead change order negotiations, ensuring compliance with contractual terms, allowable markups, and fair pricing.

Organize and document cost-related meetings (e.g., Change Notice reviews) and maintain accurate records of decisions and estimates.

Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to maintain cost visibility and support strategic planning.

Provide support during audits or external agency interactions (e.g., FAA, LADBS, LADWP).

Software & Technical Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Experience using On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, and cost estimating tools.

Familiarity with project management systems such as Prolog preferred.

Qualifications

Education & Certification:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is required.

Master’s degree preferred for senior levels.

Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) credential is required.

Experience:

Minimum 5 years of relevant estimating experience for entry-level roles.

Up to 20+ years of progressive experience required for senior levels.

Proven track record of cost estimating for both engineering and construction projects.

Demonstrated experience in estimate reconciliations, change order management, and contractor/vendor negotiations.

Experience managing or mentoring teams (required for higher levels).

Strong understanding of construction industry standards, contractual terms, and technical scopes of work.

Other Requirements:

Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Self-motivated with a results-driven mindset.

Experience interfacing with government and regulatory agencies is preferred.

Work Environment & Schedule

Hybrid work schedule: Onsite Tuesday–Thursday, Telework Monday and Friday (subject to LAWA’s Pilot Policy).

Must be able to travel to project sites as needed.