Cost Estimator

Luster National • Seattle, WA

9d

About The Position

We’re seeking Cost Estimators at various level s to shape budgets for large, complex transportation and transit programs delivered through both traditional and alternative methods. You’ll build detailed estimates, monitor cost escalation and labor trends, and serve as contact for cost-related matters. By issuing clear progress updates, flagging risks early, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, you’ll help keep programs on track, within budget, and poised for success. This posting is for future roles and not for a specific opportunity that is available right now. We accept applications and conduct interviews in advance of upcoming hiring needs. When a candidate is selected, their profile is activated in our talent pool for this specialty area. We notify our talent pool candidates first whenever we have a project need . This posting targets the greater Puget Sound Region (Seattle/Bellevue/Tacoma/Olympia) in Washington state.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on estimating experience for large, complex transportation (highways, roads, bridges), transit (rail or bus), or aviation (international airports) infrastructure projects.
• Experience developing project and construction estimates, schedules, and costs.
• Experience with cost escalation, orders of magnitude, cost of materials, and labor rates.
• Ability to read and interpret design drawings, specifications, BIM models, and work-breakdown structures.
• Proficiency with industry-standard estimating and project-controls software (e.g., Timberline, HCSS, RSMeans, etc.)
• Proficiency with Primavera P6 or MS Project.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills.
• Collaborative mindset that fosters teamwork, trust, and positive relationships.
• Natural curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in engineering, construction management, or quantity surveying.
• Active professional certifications such as CCE, CCEA, CCP, CEP, PSP (AACE); PMP or PMI-SP (PMI).
• PE license in relevant jurisdiction(s).
• Experience with large (>$500M), complex, heavy-civil infrastructure projects that include highways, roads, bridges, transit (including rail and bus), and/or airport projects.
• Experience delivering projects through both traditional and alternative methods (e.g., DB, CM/GC, P3) .
• Experience with Microsoft Power BI, Oracle Cloud Analytics, or other dashboard KPI reporting software.

Responsibilities

• Develop project and construction estimates, schedules, and costs.
• Responsible for cost escalation, orders of magnitude, cost of materials, and labor rates.
• Perform sensitivity analyses for escalation, commodity swings, and delivery strategies, presenting findings to the appropriate teams.
• Coordinate with designers, schedulers, and procurement to align estimates with phasing plans, cash-flow curves, and contracting strategies.
• Serve as a point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring clear communication of project progress, issues, and solutions.
• Provide regular project updates to stakeholders, including senior management and clients, highlighting project status, accomplishments, and potential roadblocks.

Benefits

• Unlimited flexible time off
• Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent or elder care)
• Long-term disability insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment
• 401(k) plan with guaranteed employer contribution
• Formal career planning and development program
• $2,500 annually toward professional development
• Wellness program with monthly wellness stipend
• Company cell phone or cell phone plan reimbursement
• Free personalized meal planning and nutrition support with a registered dietitian
• Free personal financial planning services
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discounts
• Employee referral bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees