Sr. Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Cost Engineer / Cost Manager

Location: Atlanta, GA OR Naperville, IL

Hire Type: Contract

Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

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Compensation: $40-$50/hour

Must have Skill Set: 10+ years of estimating experience, energy/pipeline/utilities industry experience, and proficiency in estimating software (CATO, CAD Measure, Bluebeam/PlanSwift/WinEst).

Overview

The Senior Estimator is responsible for preparing comprehensive cost estimates across various disciplines while providing guidance and supervision to junior staff. This role supports all stages of project development, utilizing energy and utilities industry experience to deliver accurate pricing, cost benchmarking, and specialty cost intelligence that reflects local market conditions. The ideal candidate will collaboratively engage with track leads and project management to capture all cost assumptions, maintain the cost data library, and guide stakeholders through advanced calculation methods and industry best practices.

Job Duties

• Examines blueprints and other design documents to perform accurate quantity takeoffs and prepare detailed cost estimates.

• Leads the development of early-stage conceptual and feasibility cost model estimates using historic benchmarking and industry experience.

• Gathers and maintains accurate, up-to-date pricing data from databases, contractors, and suppliers to input into CATO and develop unit cost pricing.

• Collaborates with architects, engineers, and project teams to establish a clear understanding of project scopes and local logistics.

• Compares historic benchmark costs, prepares cost reconciliations between multiple estimates, and explains variance cost drivers.

• Supervises, reviews, and provides work direction to junior technical staff.

• Assists senior management in optimizing project efficiency and improving estimate accuracy.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.

• Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience, specifically within the energy, pipeline, and energy utilities industry.

• Technical Skills: Intermediate knowledge of CATO, working knowledge of electronic takeoff (including CAD Measure), and proficiency in commercial estimating software (Bluebeam, PlanSwift, WinEst). Must also be proficient in IT tools like Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, and Adobe Acrobat.

• Core Capabilities: Strong knowledge of local construction markets, pricing trends, and conceptual cost modeling from limited data. Proven ability to solve complex problems, make sound technical judgments, and deliver excellent communications and presentations.

• Preferred: Professional designations such as RICS, CCP, CCM, AIA, PE, ASPE, AACEI, CVS, AVS, LEED AP, RA, or appraisal licensure. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.