Senior Architectural Cost Estimator

Connico•Cincinnati, OH

11d•$135,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Connico is hiring a Senior Architectural Estimator to lead complex architectural and structural cost estimating efforts for large-scale infrastructure projects. The role covers the full design process, from early conceptual and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) planning through final construction documents, and includes developing Level 1–5 estimates. The estimator will independently prepare and review estimates, identify scope gaps and risks, reconcile costs, and advise clients when project information is limited or evolving. This is a hands-on senior technical position that also supports the growth of Connico’s architectural estimating practice through mentoring, quality control, knowledge sharing, and development of repeatable estimating practices. The estimator will collaborate with clients, project teams, contractors, designers, and other estimators across disciplines. The position may be fully remote for the right candidate who resides full-time in the U.S., or hybrid at the Hebron, Kentucky/Cincinnati, Ohio-area or Mt. Juliet, Tennessee/Nashville-area office. Hybrid in-office days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Travel is minimal, up to 10%, for site visits, meetings, and conferences.

Requirements

10+ years of full-time, hands-on architectural estimating experience, with strength in structural estimating.
Bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction management, engineering, quantity surveying, estimating, or a related field, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
Industry-recognized professional certification or equivalent credential, such as AIA, CCP, CPE, RICS, CEP, PMP, or another relevant credential.
Ability to independently develop high-quality construction estimates across Levels 1–5 and all design stages, including conceptual and ROM estimates developed with limited information.
Experience leading complex estimating assignments, integrating estimate elements across multiple disciplines, meeting deadlines, maintaining quality, and communicating professionally with clients and project stakeholders.
Ability to interpret architectural, civil, and engineering drawings and specifications across all design levels.
Expertise with estimating or takeoff software such as On-Screen Takeoff, MII, Success, Timberline, or comparable systems, and estimating formats such as MasterFormat and UniFormat.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Teams, Outlook, and Word.

Nice To Haves

Architectural or structural estimating experience supporting aviation or airport projects is highly preferred.
Experience in large-scale or complex project environments such as federal government, Department of Defense or military facilities, energy and utilities, transportation and infrastructure, industrial, mission-critical, or similar technically complex work.

Responsibilities

Lead and independently develop architectural and structural cost estimates at all design stages, including conceptual and ROM estimates, through final construction documents; prepare Level 1–5 estimates for projects of varying sizes and complexity.
Develop detailed material and labor estimates for architectural and structural systems, including foundations, special foundations, slabs on grade, structures, building skin, interior construction, finishes, equipment, furnishings, and demolition.
Research and develop unit pricing, cost assemblies, and supporting assumptions using current market information and sound estimating judgment.
Identify missing information, scope gaps, inconsistencies, interdisciplinary conflicts, and potential cost risks; develop supported assumptions and solutions when project information is incomplete.
Lead estimate reconciliations, technical and quality-control reviews, contractor bid analyses, value engineering assessments, life-cycle and benefit-cost analyses, and cross-discipline coordination.
Manage multiple complex estimating assignments and priorities while maintaining accuracy, meeting deadlines, and meeting Connico’s standards and core values.
Mentor and train developing estimators in conceptual estimating, quantity takeoffs, cost buildups, reconciliations, technical reviews, interdisciplinary plan analysis, reporting, and Connico estimating practices.
Help create training resources and repeatable best practices for the estimating team.
Help maintain accurate, current, consistent, and accessible estimating data, cost assemblies, templates, and reporting practices.
Build client relationships and serve as a technical advisor through clear communication, sound judgment, reliability, and expert guidance.
Participate in client meetings, project site visits, and industry events as needed.