Cost Estimator

Fronza & Francis

$88K — $105K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
  • 7+ years of relevant experience in construction estimating or project controls work.
  • Demonstrated experience in preparing or reviewing construction cost estimates and change order pricing.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and able to interpret construction plans and specifications.
  • Familiarity with estimating software and takeoff programs, such as HCSS or Bluebeam.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare and review independent cost estimates for changes and claims.
  • Analyze project plans, specifications, and change documentation for accurate cost impacts.
  • Conduct detailed quantity takeoffs and assess labor, equipment, and material costs.
  • Evaluate contractor change order proposals for completeness and reasonableness.
  • Document the basis of estimates, including assumptions and exclusions.
  • Perform estimate reconciliations and support negotiations with stakeholders.
  • Review cost records to support claims and cost evaluations.
  • Coordinate with scheduling teams to align cost and schedule impacts.

Benefits

  • Potential for hybrid work schedule with on-site presence as needed.
  • Opportunity to play a vital role in complex commercial projects.
  • Engagement with multidisciplinary project teams to enhance professional growth.
  • Access to advanced estimating programs and tools for career development.
  • Involvement in negotiations, providing valuable experience in contractor relations.
Full Job Description
Job title: Cost Estimator

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Type: On-Site

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: TBD based on experience

Job Description: As a Cost Estimator supporting the Commercial/Change Management team, you will prepare and review independent cost estimates and contractor pricing for changes, claims, and other project impacts. You will analyze scope, quantities, direct and indirect costs; support estimate reconciliation and negotiations; and coordinate cost and schedule impacts. This Seattle-area role may follow a hybrid schedule with on-site presence as needed.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and review independent cost estimates for proposed changes, change orders, potential changes, claims, and other commercial/change management items.
  • Review project plans, specifications, scope documents, RFIs, design revisions, and change documentation to define scope and develop accurate cost impacts.
  • Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and evaluate labor, equipment, material, subcontractor, and indirect costs using appropriate estimating methods and current cost data.
  • Evaluate contractor change order proposals and estimates for completeness, reasonableness, scope alignment, quantities, unit rates, assumptions, markups, and supporting documentation.
  • Develop basis-of-estimate documentation, assumptions, exclusions, allowances, contingencies, and estimate risk considerations.
  • Perform estimate reconciliation and cost comparisons and support negotiations with contractors, project teams, and other stakeholders.
  • Support claims and cost exposure evaluations by reviewing cost records, pricing assumptions, and change documentation.
  • Coordinate with the Scheduler and Commercial/Change Management team to assess the relationship between cost impacts and schedule/time impacts associated with project changes.
  • Support change tracking, forecasting, cost reporting, and documentation for commercial and project decisions.

Qualifications:

Basic Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
  • 7+ years of relevant experience in construction estimating, cost analysis, engineering, cost tracking systems, or related project controls work.
  • Demonstrated experience preparing or reviewing construction cost estimates and change order pricing.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and in reading and interpreting construction plans, specifications, and scope documents.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting commercial management, change management, claims, or cost control on complex construction projects.
  • Experience evaluating contractor change proposals, performing estimate reconciliation, and supporting cost negotiations.
  • Ability to make independent judgments, document assumptions clearly, meet critical deadlines, and coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Experience evaluating cost and schedule relationships associated with project changes is a plus.

Skills & Competencies:
  • Estimating programs such as HCSS, InEight, and CostOS.
  • Takeoff programs such as OST (On-Screen Takeoff), Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, and AGTEK.
  • Construction cost estimating, quantity takeoffs, change order review, cost reconciliation, forecasting, and commercial/change management support.

How to Apply: Submit your resume via job board/or intranet.

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