Cost and Constructability Engineer/Estimator

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you'll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people's lives. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Primary Responsibilities

We are looking for a motivated professional to join our expanding Constructability and Cost Estimating team based in Denver, CO. The role will primarily involve work on dams, levees, and other civil works projects. Opportunities to collaborate with other teams in Water, Transportation, and Resources may also be available, depending on interest and project needs.

The primary duties of the position will include:

• Conduct constructability reviews throughout all phases of design.
• Water experience, ideally with dams or other heavy civil dam related structures
• Develop cost estimates for a wide range of project types and applications, incorporating the following tasks as applicable:
  • Performing quantity take-offs for estimates.
  • Researching construction methodologies and their practical applications.
  • Engaging with industry experts and suppliers to obtain quotes and relevant data.
  • Establishing unit pricing using standard estimating principles and cost databases.
• Mentor and support junior team members in developing technical and professional skills.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the Timberline cost database, with a focus on dams, levees, and civil works.
• Review specifications and drawings with an emphasis on constructability and identifying construction risks.
• Collaborate with the engineering design team to ensure comprehensive scope coverage in engineers' estimates.
• Participate in site visits during the design phase to assess site conditions and their impact on cost estimates.
• Author basis-of-estimate reports and contribute to other design documentation as needed.
• Provide support to civil, structural, geological, and geotechnical teams, based on project needs and personal interest.
• Candidates hired without their PE will have the title of Estimator and candidates hired with their PE will have the title of Engineer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in civil engineering, construction management or other related field.
• Strong inclination to help others and collaborate with team
• Demonstrates accountability by recognizing areas for improvement, seeking guidance when needed, and applying lessons learned to deliver high-quality work and maintain strong relationships.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and enthusiasm about working in a Matrix oriented, employee-owned company
• Self-motivated, and ability to work both independently and with dynamic teams.
• Ability to prioritize and work on multiple assignments successfully.
• Basic knowledge of industry standard software, including: Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, standard CAD platforms, Timberline, Civil 3D

• Strong writing and verbal communication skills, including ability to efficiently and effectively communicate using virtual platform

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Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science Engineering or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in producing estimates in a competitive environment and assessing cost risks based on contract terms and conditions relative to a cost estimate
• Knowledge of EPC estimating methods, processes, and procedures, in addition to the estimate types, classifications, and components.
• Experience with Lump Sum Design Build estimates. Specifically understands detail level estimates and design packages
• Knowledge of market pricing and pricing sources in the area of specialization.
• Knowledge of Work Breakdown Structures necessary for cost management
• Must be proficient with Primavera and Timberline
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
• Sponsorship (visa) for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position
  
  
  

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees. We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Colorado: $104,951.00 - $172,420.00 Primary Location: United States-Colorado-Denver Industry: Water Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Dams Levees Civil Works Job Posting: May 27, 2026