Senior Cost Estimator - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•San Francisco, CA

6d•$140,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimator to support a high‑profile client delivering large‑scale U.S. hyperscale campuses, including multi‑billion‑dollar developments, multi‑building sites, and major expansion programs. This includes supporting a national portfolio characterized by 1GW+ data center campuses, multi‑acre greenfield developments, and rapid‑scale construction programs across several U.S. regions. The ideal candidate has a strong preconstruction and estimating background, with deep experience supporting complex, fast‑moving construction programs. This role is hybrid, with 2–3 days per week in Turner & Townsend's San Francisco office, and includes approximately one week of travel per quarter to the client’s headquarters in Denver, CO.

Requirements

Able to work a hybrid schedule, with 2–3 days per week in Turner & Townsend's San Francisco office, and approximately one week of travel per quarter to the client’s headquarters in Denver, CO.
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field.
6+ years of experience in construction estimating and cost management on large‑scale programs, with a strong foundation in preconstruction and detailed estimating.
Knowledge of construction procurement methods and commercial contract structures.
Demonstrated success in value engineering, feasibility assessments, and design/cost optimization.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to work across multiple simultaneous projects.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with CostX preferred; familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Navisworks is beneficial.

Nice To Haves

Experience with data center or mission‑critical construction is strongly preferred.
Expertise in conceptual estimating, quantity takeoffs, and CSA cost fundamentals; MEP understanding 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 and campuses to support portfolio decisions.
Review contractor pricing (bids, pay apps, change orders); perform comparative assessments and develop recommendations.
Drive benchmarking and cost modeling; build, maintain, and apply historical cost data and metrics; support life‑cycle cost analyses.
Facilitate value engineering sessions; develop cost/benefit options and support early‑stage feasibility modeling.
Support procurement and preconstruction activities including bid lists, bid analysis, tender reporting, and contract documentation.
Partner with cost management, procurement, and project controls teams to align estimating outputs with budgeting and commercial strategy.
Assess design changes, emerging construction approaches, and evolving scope requirements, producing timely estimate updates.
Mentor junior staff; help develop estimating tools, templates, and best practices.
Prepare leadership‑ready materials for client preconstruction and estimating discussions.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role and must be adhered to where applicable.