Senior Cost Estimator - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•San Francisco, CA

2h•$100,000 - $170,000

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimator to support a high‑profile client’s large‑scale, multi‑billion‑dollar data center construction portfolio. You’ll contribute to multi‑building campus developments, new greenfield facilities, and major expansion programs within a single, complex program of work. The role requires strong estimating capability, comfort operating in fast‑moving environments, and experience supporting multi‑phase delivery across major capital projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction field.
7+ years of relevant experience in construction estimating/cost management (e.g., Estimator, Cost Estimator, Cost Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Cost Engineer), including work on large‑scale programs.
Data center/mission‑critical experience strongly preferred (multi‑building campuses, greenfield builds, major expansions).
Proven expertise in conceptual estimating, quantity takeoff, and cost fundamentals across CSA scopes; MEP exposure is a plus.
Solid understanding of construction procurement methods and commercial contract structures.
Demonstrated success contributing to VE, feasibility, and design/cost optimization discussions.
Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and client‑facing presentations); ability to distill complexity and drive decisions.
Highly organized, comfortable prioritizing across multiple projects in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment.
Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office; hands‑on experience with CostX (2D/3D takeoff, assemblies, workbooks) is advantageous; familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Navisworks preferred.

Nice To Haves

Professional accreditation (e.g., RICS) or active progress toward certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage cost plans and detailed estimates from concept through detailed design across multiple geographies; lead reviews with internal and external teams.
Present milestone cost updates (concept, schematic, DD, CD) and clearly communicate basis of estimate, assumptions, inclusions/exclusions, and risks.
Lead quantity takeoffs and cost checks for complex, multi‑package scopes; ensure alignment between scope, drawings/models, and estimate.
Provide program‑level estimating for defined scopes, synthesizing inputs across multiple projects/campuses to support portfolio decisions.
Review contractor pricing (bids, pay applications, and change orders); perform comparative assessments and develop recommendations.
Drive benchmarking and cost modeling, building, maintaining, and applying historical cost data and metrics; support life‑cycle cost (LCC) analyses.
Facilitate value engineering (VE) at project and program levels; develop cost/benefit options and support feasibility/early‑stage cost modeling.
Support procurement and preconstruction, including prequalification, bid list development, bid analysis, tender reporting, and contract documentation.
Partner closely with cost management, procurement, and project controls to align estimating outputs with budgeting, commercial strategy, and program‑level cost planning.
Assess design changes and emerging technologies and produce timely estimate updates at appropriate accuracy levels.
Mentor and coordinate support staff; contribute to training materials, templates, and tools for internal and external estimating teams.
Prepare leadership‑ready materials for client preconstruction and estimating presentations.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role and must be adhered to where applicable.