Senior Cost Estimator

Responsibilities

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Sargent and Lundy is looking for an individual who is capable of handling various roles in the project management field including cost estimating, project engineering, and scheduling and project controls. As a Cost Estimator, you will be assigned to work on project activities associated with the following:

• Prepare detailed capital cost estimates using company tools, databases, and historical data

• Perform material quantity take-offs, labor pricing, and work with vendors to obtain material and equipment costing to support the development of construction cost estimates (rough-order-magnitude; conceptual; construction; fair-cost)

• Understand and apply appropriate mark-ups and productivity factors as required

• Coordinate information flow and schedules with project team members to complete estimates on time

• Organize and input cost and quantity information into existing database

• Prepare cash flow, escalation, and interest calculations for estimates

• Develop Estimate Basis documents

• Coordinate with engineering to obtain and validate quantities, scope definitions, drawings, and equipment lists.

• Author and lead the development of engineering equipment lists and engineering studies and reports

• Implement project controls and project management tools and methodology

• Perform CPI/SPI calculations using earned value principles

• Assist project teams in reconciling estimates against budgets, bids, and actual costs, and provide variance explanations.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

• Construction Management, Engineering, or Business Degree

• 7 years or more of relevant work experience

• Must understand estimating functions from the conceptual design phase through the construction phase of a project

• Experience with engineering or construction oversight

• Skilled with Excel software and building moderately-complex spreadsheets

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with teamwork skills

• Related engineering work experience, which includes project controls, project planning, project scheduling, and earned value performance

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Related engineering internship, co-op, or work experience, which includes project controls, project planning, project scheduling, and earned value performance, preferably within the power industry

• Familiarity with Primavera P6

Technology & Innovation

Sargent & Lundy values the appropriate use of technology to improve how work gets done and deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients. Depending on the role, employees may use data, automation, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools to support research, analysis, engineering and design activities, workflow improvement, or other aspects of their work. We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools. Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.

About Sargent & Lundy

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & Wellness Financial Benefits Work-Life Balance

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision

• Life & Accident Insurance

• Disability Coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Back-Up Daycare

• FSA & HSA

• 401(k)

• Pre-Tax Commuter Account

• Merit Scholarship Program

• Employee Discount Program

• Corporate Charitable Giving Program

• Tuition Assistance

• First Professional Licensure Bonus

• Employee Referral Bonus

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)

• Paid Vacation

• Paid Holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• Paid Bereavement Leave

• Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

$100,019 - $152,807

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Software Powered by ICIMS

CityChicago

StateIL

CountryUnited States

Area of InterestProject Management

TypeFull Time - Regular

Job ID2026-25629

Business GroupChief Operations Officer Group

DepartmentProject Controls and Scheduling Division