Flex Staff Cost Estimator

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (

Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

Job Duties:

• Prepare detailed, discipline-specific, and total project cost estimates using industry-standard cost estimating tools such as MII (MCACES II), PACES, RSMeans, and Success Estimator in accordance with Federal standards.

• Analyze contractor cost proposals, bids, and change orders for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with FAR, DFARS, Davis-Bacon, and Federal agency-specific regulations.

• Interpret and quantify drawings, specifications, and statements of work to develop cost estimates and supporting documentation at various design and project stages (conceptual through final design).

• Incorporate and reference Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), Service Instructions, and other applicable codes, standards, and design guides to ensure cost estimates reflect compliant and constructible solutions.

• Develop and maintain cost models, pricing databases, and historical cost data to support continuous improvement of estimating accuracy.

• Collaborate with Project Managers, Construction Oversight Specialists (COS), Engineers, and Contracting Officers to ensure consistency and alignment between cost estimates, project scopes, and technical requirements.

• Support value engineering efforts by identifying cost-saving opportunities, evaluating alternative materials or methods, and providing recommendations that balance cost, schedule, and performance.

• Prepare detailed cost analyses, estimate narratives, and justification documentation for government review and audit purposes.

• Evaluate risk and contingency requirements based on project complexity, market conditions, and uncertainty levels.

• Provide input for budget development, life-cycle cost analyses, and independent government estimates (IGEs).

• Participate in pre-bid meetings, design reviews, and post-award evaluations to support continuous improvement and lessons learned.

• Ensure compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and agency-specific estimating procedures.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support successful project delivery and Federal client satisfaction.

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Skills & Abilities

• Must be a U.S. citizen.

• Able to pass a federal background check.

• Ability to work in the field which can include long periods of standing, walking or sitting.

• Proficiency in MII (MCACES II) and RSMeans estimating tools required; experience with Success Estimator or similar cost systems preferred.

• Thorough understanding of Federal estimating processes, UFC standards, Service Instructions, and value engineering principles.

• Knowledge of applicable regulations and compliance standards.

• Strong reporting, writing, and communication skills.

• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders.

• Excellent attention to detail. 

• Familiar and comfortable to work on computers/tablets/phones. 

• Strong writing and oral communication skills. 

• Good interpersonal skills to cultivate relationships with colleagues, customers, and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.

• 5 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.

Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with large Federal construction quality programs.

• Certified Cost Engineer (CCE), Certified Cost Consultant (CCC), Certified Cost Professional (CCP), or equivalent accreditation.

Amount of Travel Required

100%

Driving Requirements

An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Evergreen Disclaimer

Please note, this is a pipeline position for future needs and is not an immediate vacancy.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Visa Sponsorship Available

No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

Pay Range Max

USD $159,432.00

Pay Range Min

USD $76,440.00