Cost Estimator

Parsons•Dc, WA

20d•$112,200 - $196,400

About The Position

Parsons is seeking an experienced Cost Estimator to support a major program and construction management team serving a Department of War customer on a significant construction program in the National Capital Region. The anticipated work includes Owner’s Agent Construction Management Services, including program and construction management, risk management, scheduling, cost estimating, progress reporting, construction quality assurance, and safety. The Cost Estimator provides independent cost estimating, pricing analysis, and technical support to the Government during planning, design, and construction of complex federal construction and infrastructure projects. The role develops and reviews estimates, evaluates contractor proposals and contract modifications, and supports negotiations to help ensure costs are accurate, reasonable, and aligned with program requirements. The position works with Government stakeholders and multidisciplinary construction management teams to support cost control, risk management, budgeting, and informed decision-making across the project lifecycle. This position is part of Parsons’ Federal Solutions team, which supports U.S. government customers across defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental missions. No security clearance is required. The stated salary range is $112,200 to $196,400.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Business, or a related field, or equivalent construction-related experience.
At least 10 years of professional experience in construction cost estimating, including federal construction or infrastructure programs.
Demonstrated experience developing detailed construction estimates, IGCEs, ROM estimates, quantity takeoffs, and Basis of Estimate documentation.
Experience reviewing construction drawings, specifications, contractor proposals, contract modifications, and related pricing documentation.
Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, labor and material costs, equipment pricing, productivity factors, and contractor markups.
Experience evaluating contractor cost proposals, change orders, and construction cost impacts.
Proficiency with construction estimating software such as RSMeans, MCACES/MII, PACES, Bluebeam Revu, or comparable applications.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and technical writing skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet project deadlines, and coordinate effectively with Government stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
Must be a U.S. citizen and able to satisfy applicable federal background investigation requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting NAVFAC, USACE, or similar federal construction and facilities programs.
Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, and federal construction contracting procedures.
Experience preparing NAVFAC cost analyses, Pre-Negotiation Positions, and independent cost evaluations.
Experience supporting large-scale, complex, multiyear construction and infrastructure modernization programs.
Knowledge of Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, and other federal construction delivery methods.
Experience evaluating schedule-related cost impacts, extended general conditions, and construction claims.
Familiarity with Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, BIM, or other construction management and scheduling applications.
Experience with project management information systems such as Procore, Kahua, USACE RMS, NAVFAC eCMS, or comparable platforms.
Professional certifications such as Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or Professional Engineer (PE).
Experience working within multidisciplinary Owner’s Representative or Construction Management Agent (CMa) teams.

Responsibilities

Develop Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates, detailed construction estimates, and budget analyses for federal construction, renovation, and infrastructure projects.
Review construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, schedules, and contract documents to develop cost estimates.
Prepare quantity takeoffs and estimate labor, materials, equipment, productivity factors, subcontractor costs, and contractor markups.
Develop Basis of Estimate (BOE) narratives documenting methodologies, assumptions, exclusions, escalation, and risk factors.
Evaluate contractor proposals, change orders, Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), and contract modifications for cost reasonableness and compliance with contract requirements.
Prepare independent cost reviews, pricing analyses, and pre-negotiation recommendations to support Government contract negotiations.
Analyze cost impacts related to design changes, differing site conditions, schedule delays, and construction modifications.
Coordinate with Government representatives, project managers, schedulers, engineers, and construction managers to validate project costs and identify financial risks.
Maintain historical cost data, develop cost reports, and recommend actions to support project budgeting and financial management.
Support multiple concurrent projects and deliver estimates and technical analyses on time.