Senior Cost Estimator

Above Group•Melbourne, FL

4d•$125,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Above Group is looking for a Senior Cost Estimator to own cost estimating on their design projects, from conceptual budgeting through construction documents. The role serves as the lead estimator on assigned projects and is the point person for engineers, project managers, and clients when design decisions have a financial implication. The company's portfolio focuses on government and healthcare projects, requiring accurate, defensible, and scope-tied estimates. This senior position offers significant autonomy, including building and maintaining the department’s master unit-cost database and historical cost library, establishing estimating standards and templates, and influencing project selection and pricing strategies.

Requirements

6–10 years in cost estimating, general contracting, or related construction work (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent field/trade experience considered
General contracting background strongly preferred, with hands-on field and/or estimating experience
Estimating experience in the government and healthcare markets strongly preferred
Experience benchmarking labor and material costs against historical data, vendor quotes, and subcontractor pricing.
Working knowledge of estimating platforms (RSMeans, Sage Estimating/Accubid, ConEst, WinEst, Trade Service) and takeoff tools (Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar)
Enough Revit and AutoCAD to extract quantities and review MEP design documents
Proficient knowledge of computers and Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word); Advanced Excel: pivot tables, formulas, macros
Familiarity with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, telecommunications, and fire protection systems as they relate to cost, constructability, and market pricing
Strong understanding of general contracting practices, bid processes, subcontractor scope leveling, and contractor cost coding (CSI MasterFormat)
Strong written and verbal communication; you can hold your own with clients, contractors, and senior leadership
Ability to work independently/self-motivated, as well as in a collaborative team setting, highly organized, and detail oriented
Impactful analytical, strategic planning, with the ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
Discretion and dependability with sensitive cost and client information
S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency
Willingness to travel up to 20% for site visits and client meetings

Nice To Haves

ASPE Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), or similar certification.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage cost estimates for multi-disciplinary projects at every design phase, conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents, and own their accuracy and consistency; serving as lead estimator on assigned projects
Perform quantity takeoffs directly from Revit and AutoCAD models alongside our BIM and design teams
Resolve gaps between design intent, scope, and budget through value engineering and cost-benefit analysis
Prepare conceptual budgets, fee proposals, and comparative cost models supporting business development for prospective clients and projects
Write basis-of-estimate (BOE) narratives, cost reports, scope clarifications, and qualifications/exclusions; respond to RFIs
Build and maintain the department’s unit-cost database, historical cost library, and estimating standards
Keep estimates current with code requirements, jurisdictional fees, local bidding conditions, labor rates, and material pricing
Review design concepts with engineering leads and project managers to align design intent with project budgets