Construction Cost Estimator

PACO Group•New York, NY

71d•$50 - $70•Hybrid

About The Position

PACO Group (PACO) is seeking an experienced Construction Cost Estimator specializing in data center and mission-critical facility construction to support various clients across the infrastructure and building sectors. This position involves accurately forecasting and managing the complex and high-value aspects of data center construction projects, including both new builds and major retrofits. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, experience with hyperscale deployments, and proficiency in advanced cost estimation techniques and software. This role requires both analytical precision and the ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and clients.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil or mechanical engineering, architecture, or quantity surveying. Equivalent field experience may substitute for a degree.
Minimum of 5–10 years of progressive experience in construction cost estimating, including extensive work on data center or mission-critical facility projects.
Strong proficiency with industry-standard estimating tools (e.g., Cost-OS, Sage Estimating [Timberline], Bluebeam, or CostX).
Solid understanding of construction methods, materials, market pricing trends, and risk assessment techniques such as Monte Carlo simulations.
Proven ability to lead estimating efforts through all project phases—conceptual through final—and support both design-bid-build and design-build delivery.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, SharePoint, and MS Teams.
Expertise in MEP systems and construction methodologies.
Proficiency with cost databases such as RSMeans and project control tools like Excel, Power BI, or SharePoint.
Familiarity with value engineering, risk assessment, and cost modeling techniques.
Exceptional analytical thinking and attention to detail.
Strong communication and presentation skills to effectively explain cost data and defend estimates to clients.
Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Excellent problem-solving and time management skills.

Nice To Haves

Certified Cost Professional (CCP) – AACE International.
Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) – American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE).
Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA) – International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA).
Demonstrated ability to manage high-value, complex projects and coordinate among multiple stakeholders.
Prior experience preparing estimates for federal, state, or major private-sector clients.
Familiarity with BIM-integrated estimating, with the ability to extract data from Revit or Navisworks models.
Advanced knowledge of MEP systems used in data centers, including HVAC, power distribution, and redundancy systems.

Responsibilities

Develop comprehensive cost estimates for large-scale data center and facility projects, including conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates.
Analyze and interpret complex plans, drawings, and specifications to determine accurate costs for materials, labor, and equipment.
Provide detailed analyses for civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, and electrical design elements.
Lead value engineering exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising design quality or system performance.
Manage and coordinate the bidding process, including subcontractor solicitation, proposal evaluation, and contract negotiation.
Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, project managers, and clients to ensure alignment of scope, budget, and schedule.
Serve as a client-facing expert, presenting and defending cost estimates, explaining budget variances, and articulating value propositions.
Maintain and analyze historical pricing data for benchmarking and continuous improvement of estimating accuracy.
Support bid evaluations and assist with budget forecasting, risk analysis, and contingency planning.