Senior Estimator

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine • Malvern, PA

5d • $102,000 - $177,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Estimator will provide specialized cost estimating and preconstruction leadership for life science facilities. This role works within the E&PS Team to develop accurate, defensible budgets for build-outs, renovations, and new construction that meet regulatory, process, and operational requirements typical of cGMP and highly controlled environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or equivalent university degree in Construction Management, Mechanical/Civil Engineering or Architecture is required.
• 6-8 years of progressive estimating experience with a minimum of 4–5 years focused on life science, pharmaceutical, biotech, or laboratory construction projects.
• Vast experience with the 21Tab structure.
• Have vast experience using the Indent Technique in MEP estimating.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cGMP facility requirements, cleanroom classifications, and validation/commissioning cost drivers.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting mechanical, electrical, process, and architectural drawings and specifications for process-centric facilities.
• Strong experience with takeoff and estimating tools (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, or equivalent) and advanced Excel modeling.
• Proven ability to price complex MEP systems, process piping, HVAC filtration/pressurization, and specialty finishes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience preparing executive-level estimate summaries and presenting to technical and commercial stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and time-management skills; ability to work under bid pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or equivalent certification (AACE, ICEAA).
• Experience estimating modular skids, prefabricated systems, and vendor-supplied process equipment for life science use.
• Familiarity with project delivery methods common in life sciences (design-build, EPC, CMAR) and owner-led capital programs.
• Understanding of local and international regulatory expectations impacting facility design/cost (FDA, EMA, PIC/S) and environmental controls.

Responsibilities

• Perform complete quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for life science projects, including cleanrooms, laboratories, aseptic processing, GMP production suites, and specialized utilities (WFI, pure steam, process chilled water, clean utilities).
• Develop detailed trade-by-trade cost breakdowns, assemblies, and unit-price estimates reflecting life science technical requirements (stainless process piping, pharmaceutical finishes, HVAC systems, gowning areas, pass-throughs, containment systems, etc.).
• Incorporate validation, qualification, and commissioning activities into estimates (IQ/OQ/PQ, FAT/SAT, startup support), and quantify time and resource impacts for validation teams and 3rd-party vendors.
• Coordinate with process engineers, facility managers, quality/validation leads, and owners’ representatives to clarify scope, acceptance criteria, and sequencing that impacts cost and schedule.
• Provide detailed cost support required for TVD/DTV process.
• Lead constructability reviews and value-engineering sessions focused on maintaining compliance while optimizing cost and schedule.
• Maintain and expand life science–specific historical cost databases, material/unit cost libraries, and estimating templates; track pricing trends for critical components (stainless piping, lab casework, HVAC filtration).
• Support post-award activities including buyout support, change order pricing, and reconciliation of estimates to actuals.

Benefits

• Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
• Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
• Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
• Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
• Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
• Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
• Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
• Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior