Cost Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

The Cost Estimator is a senior-level contributor who leads complex estimating efforts on multi-discipline capital projects. This role requires deep expertise in estimating principles, advanced modeling skills, and the ability to interface confidently with senior project stakeholders. The successful candidate will lead cross-functional estimate reviews, support negotiations, and mentor junior staff while driving continuous improvement in estimating practices across the organization.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Leads cost estimating efforts for larger-scale projects.
• Provides subject matter expertise in multiple estimating methodologies.
• Develops and maintains parametric models and industry-specific cost benchmarks.
• Facilitates estimate peer reviews, validation sessions, and reconciliations.
• Incorporates labor productivity, material pricing, escalation, and market conditions.
• Works collaboratively with planning and scheduling teams to integrate cost and schedule forecasts.
• Identifies and communicates cost drivers, trends, and risk exposure.
• Advises project controls and finance teams on contingency and budget setting.
• Mentors and oversees the work of junior estimators.
• Supports proposal pricing and bid strategies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field required; master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in project estimating.
• Advanced proficiency in estimating and modeling tools.
• Significant experience with estimating for public and private projects required, with preference in K-12, higher education, or public sector building projects
• Demonstrated mentoring or supervisory capability.
• Professional certification (e.g., RICS, CPE, CEP) preferred.

The salary range for this position is $105,000 to $131,000.

A hired employee will be placed within this salary range based on a variety of legitimate business reasons, including but not limited to the individual’s scope of relevant experience and geographic location.

Additional Requirements

 

Physical: Standing or sitting for long periods; must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times and spend extended hours in front of a computer screen.

 

Cognitive: Problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills; computer and software skills; and ability to read and interpret text online or in printed form.

 

About PMA

 

At PMA, employee well-being is a daily priority. We offer a combination of workplace options that include a PMA office location; work-from-home; or a client site. Wherever we work, we openly share knowledge as we believe that collaboration with peers improves our work product and that pursuing subject matter expertise is a lifelong endeavor.  

 

We are committed to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We affirm and respect diverse backgrounds and opinions because we believe they yield the best solutions for our clients. We promote emotional intelligence and trust by nurturing these values within our new hires.  

 

We encourage staff to develop rewarding, long-term careers at PMA, and we implement formal leadership development programs that help you attain your goals. At PMA, shared success is a core value. Every employee who contributes is recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. We look for self-driven candidates eager to assume responsibility and join a community of respect founded on collaboration and accountability, not titles. If you aim to transform the project management practice toward continuous improvement of project outcomes, the profession, and yourself, PMA looks forward to warmly welcoming you to our team.  

 

We offer competitive pay and benefits, wellness programs for you and your family, and career development opportunities to advance your professional goals.  

 

As a PMA professional, you will be empowered to make timely and effective decisions and significant daily contributions to complex facets of project delivery. Join a team that has achieved a world-class reputation in the construction industry and has been voted a “Best Place to Work.” 

 

PMA offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, time off with pay, 401(k) with company match, life, disability, and professional development reimbursement for qualifying employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. Qualified female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.

 

EOE, including persons with disabilities and veterans.

 

VEVRAA federal contractor.