Senior Architectural Cost Estimator (Structural) - Airports & Infrastructure

Senior Architectural Cost Estimator (Structural) – Airports & Infrastructure

Work on projects that shape how people travel! Join a team delivering complex, high-impact airport and infrastructure projects across the country—where your estimates directly influence multi-million dollar decisions.

Connico is a leading national construction consultancy known for its extraordinary team and commitment to superior client service. Founded in 1990, we offer highly specialized consulting services unique to the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. As experts in aviation and transportation, we assist owners, architects, engineers, and planners with cost estimating, scheduling, planning, and project management.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Architectural Cost Estimator, you play a crucial role in leading estimation efforts for architectural and structural systems on large-scale infrastructure projects, primarily airports. You will oversee critical estimating efforts and support the technical development of your team through mentorship, training, and best-practice development. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, sees the big picture, and enjoys developing others while producing high-quality estimates.

What You'll Do

Lead Complex Estimating Efforts

• Develop accurate cost estimates across all project phases, including conceptual (ROM) through detailed estimates
• Analyze incomplete or evolving design information to identify scope gaps, risks, and opportunities
• Perform value engineering, life-cycle cost analysis, and benefit-cost analysis
• Lead estimate reconciliations with contractors and third-party estimators
• Review bid tabulations and provide detailed cost assessments

Drive Quality & Technical Excellence

• Perform in-depth quality control reviews to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Develop and maintain cost assemblies and unit pricing databases
• Coordinate across disciplines to ensure complete project scope coverage
• Produce clear, well-supported technical reports and documentation

Mentor & Develop Others

• Play a key role in developing the next generation of estimators at Connico
• Guide team members in interpreting plans, identifying conflicts, and resolving discrepancies
• Train staff on conceptual estimating, quantity takeoffs (QTO), and estimate validation
• Support development of best practices, templates, and training materials

Manage Workload & Project Priorities

• Balance multiple complex projects while maintaining high-quality deliverables
• Align workload with company priorities, timelines, and client expectations
• Support task distribution across the team in coordination with leadership

Support Data, Tools & Reporting

• Maintain estimating databases, templates, and reporting standards
• Ensure consistency, version control, and accessibility of estimating tools and data
• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes and best practices

Engage with Clients & Industry

• Build strong client relationships through clear communication and reliable delivery
• Participate in client meetings, site visits, and industry events as needed
• Serve as a trusted advisor on cost-related decisions and project strategy

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of architectural cost estimating experience
• Strong experience with structural steel and concrete estimating
• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Ability to independently develop estimates from scratch, including cost assemblies and pricing
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and deliver high-quality results
• Expertise in estimating tools (OST, MII, Success, Timberline, etc.)
• Advanced certification such as CCP, CPE, RICS, CEP, PMP, or similar
• Strong knowledge of MasterFormat, UniFormat, and construction documents across all design phases
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Teams, Outlook, Word)
• Aviation project experience is not required, but preferred.

Why Join Connico

• Base salary starting at $140,000 with bonus opportunities (commensurate with experience)
• Opportunity to work on complex, high-visibility airport and infrastructure projects
• Strong culture of collaboration, respect, and technical excellence

Work Location Options

Hybrid (T/W/TH in-office):

• Hebron, KY (Cincinnati area)
• Mt. Juliet, TN (Nashville area)
• Denver, CO
• Indianapolis, IN

Remote:

• Fully remote (U.S.-based) for the right candidate
• Minimal travel (site visits, meetings, conferences)

Apply today to join Connico and bring your expertise to the forefront of airport and infrastructure estimating!