Chief Estimator

Chief Estimator – Engineering Department, Port Authority of NY & NJ

Step into a defining leadership role at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey as the Chief Cost Estimator and help shape one of the most ambitious transportation programs in the country. As the agency advances a transformative 10‑Year Capital Plan—including next‑generation airport terminals, major bridge and tunnel rehabilitations, PATH modernization, marine and port upgrades, and state‑of‑good‑repair megaprojects—you will be the strategic force ensuring every investment is grounded in rigor, transparency, and world‑class cost intelligence.

Why This Role Matters

The Port Authority is delivering some of the most complex, high‑visibility infrastructure projects in the United States. This role offers a rare opportunity to elevate cost governance, strengthen estimating standards, and influence capital decisions that will shape mobility, resilience, and economic vitality for millions across the region for decades to come.

Chief Estimator Position Overview

The Chief Estimator serves as the Engineering Department’s senior authority on construction and engineering cost intelligence and leads the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Engineering Estimating function, managing cost‑governance frameworks and collaborates across Engineering, the PMO and business leadership to support successful project planning and delivery. The Chief Estimator is responsible for establishing estimating standards, overseeing the development of accurate and competitive project cost estimates, and providing strategic cost intelligence to support leadership decision‑making. This position is responsible for developing accurate, defensible, and comprehensive cost estimates for large, complex engineering and infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, strategic insight, and a collaborative mindset to support planning, risk management, and cost control efforts while ensuring alignment with agency standards and client expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the organization’s estimating strategy, standards, and long‑term vision. Provide executive‑level guidance on cost implications, budget validation, and project feasibility. Support capital planning and organizational financial forecasting through cost intelligence.
• Cost Governance & Quality Assurance
• Develop and maintain standardized estimating methodologies, tools, templates, and workflows. Oversee the preparation and review of conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimates. Ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with industry standards and client requirements.
• Conduct independent estimate reviews for high‑risk or high‑value projects.

Market Intelligence & Cost Data Management

• Maintain and enhance the organization’s cost database, including historical data, productivity benchmarks, and market trends. Monitor commodity pricing, labor rates, escalation factors, and supply‑chain conditions. Provide timely cost insights to support project planning and procurement strategies.
• Technical Expertise & Oversight
• Guide teams in quantity takeoffs, cost modeling, risk analysis, and contingency development.
• Evaluate constructability, value‑engineering options, and alternative delivery methods. Support project teams in identifying cost drivers, scope gaps, and estimating risks.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Partner with engineering, project management, finance, procurement, and executive leadership to integrate cost considerations throughout the project lifecycle. Participate in design reviews, project kickoff meetings, and bid evaluations. Provide cost‑related input during contract negotiations and procurement planning.

Risk Management

• Lead cost‑risk assessments and scenario modeling to support informed decision‑making. Recommend contingency strategies and risk‑mitigation approaches. Support project controls monitoring cost performance and identifying variances.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, mentor, and develop the estimating team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Provide training on estimating tools, best practices, and industry trends.

Digital Optimization

• Champion the adoption of modern estimating technologies, including BIM‑integrated estimating, cost‑modeling automation, and digital delivery workflows. Collaborate with Digital Solutions teams to enhance data‑driven estimating practices.

Qualifications & Skills

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field. Master’s preferred.
• 15+ years of demonstrable experience on large‑scale engineering or infrastructure projects and other related construction experience, including:
• Complex multi‑disciplinary cost estimating associated with transportation, buildings, bridge, marine and utility systems.
• Advanced cost‑risk and contingency modeling, scenario analysis, escalation forecasting and probabilistic risk assessments.
• Independent cost validation for billion‑dollar programs ensuring realistic, defensible and competitive budgets before procurement.
• Integration with engineering design and digital tools, WBS structures, BIM‑linked estimating and historical; cost databases.
• 10+ years of progressive supervisory experience, performing management and oversight of senior to mid‑level staff.
• Experience with estimating software (e.g., HCSS, Bluebeam, and other similar systems). Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Strong Excel modeling and data analytics capability, including the ability to build and maintain cost databases/libraries desired.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Deep understanding of construction methods, materials, and labor productivity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong work ethic with an understanding of government service.
• Skills for all levels of estimate completeness, from order of magnitude to contract documents. Ability to understand costs in difficult work environments and for historic preservation type work, including some familiarity with infrastructure construction and facilities in the New York City area.

Preferred Certifications

Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) as issued by the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE); or, equivalent certifications through the American Association of Cost Estimators (AACE International) or Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

NOTE: This position will be located at 2 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302, with frequent visits to other Port Authority offices, including 4 World Trade Center, New York City.

Selection Process

The application process varies by position but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in‑depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation, Benefits & On‑Site Collaboration Requirements

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement. for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.

• In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business, and regular in‑office days or team collaboration days may be required on business needs.
• The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipates that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. The expected compensation range for this role is: Salary Range: $ 191486 - $235,664