Estimator

LLNL$154K — $235K *
Real Estate & Construction
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • U.S. citizenship required for obtaining a DOE Q-level security clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Proven experience in construction cost estimating in a multi-discipline environment.
  • Experience with both Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build project formats.
  • Proficiency in advanced estimating principles and technical codes.
  • Expertise in estimating software like Sage Estimating, OST, and MS Excel.
  • Strong communication skills for presenting complex data to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Perform independent cost estimates for multidisciplinary construction projects using industry standards.
  • Develop detailed cost estimates, applying staff-hour calculations and contingency modeling.
  • Analyze risks in estimates using historical data and market trends, while recommending improvements.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to provide cost and planning guidance, participating in project reviews.
  • Reconcile estimates with actual costs to better institutional estimating workflows.
  • Conduct field visits to validate project assumptions and assess constructability.
  • Ensure confidentiality of sensitive project data, especially in classified work.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule allowing flexibility between in-office and remote work.
  • Opportunity to mentor junior staff and contribute to training programs at a higher responsibility level.
  • Access to cutting-edge research and development in various high-tech fields such as defense and security.
  • Engagement in meaningful projects with a focus on safety and collaboration.
Full Job Description
Job Description

We have an opening for an Estimating Specialist who will provide support to Laboratory projects and programs in the form of planning, design, estimating, and specifying materials required for job order work by shop crafts or on-site contractors. Your responsibilities will include defining activities and associated scope, activity durations, logic and interfaces between activities, and resource loading activities. This position is in the Project Management Office (PMO).

The Project Management Office (PMO) provides LLNL with engineering, design, estimating, construction, and project management services. PMO provides infrastructure services to enable cutting-edge research and development in the areas of defense technologies, global security, laser science, bioscience, and more. PMO offers cradle to grave infrastructure services to achieve reliable delivery of completed projects with priority on safety, collaboration, and a workforce working toward our shared vision.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
  • Perform independent cost estimating and technical analysis on multidisciplinary construction projects using industry standards (e.g., CSI MasterFormat, RS Means, NECA, SMACNA).
  • Develop complex cost estimates using assembled unit rates, staff-hour calculations, and detailed takeoffs; apply escalation and contingency modeling and provide justification via formal Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation.
  • Evaluate risk and uncertainty in estimates by analyzing historical cost data, project-specific drivers, and current market trends; develop recommendations for improvements in contingency methodologies.
  • Interface with internal stakeholders, senior project leadership, and external contractors to provide detailed cost and planning guidance, as well as participate in cross-functional project reviews and risk mitigation discussions.
  • Reconcile estimates with actuals and bid costs to enhance the accuracy and predictive power of institutional estimating tools and workflows.
  • Perform field visits to assess constructability and validate scope assumptions; support change order analysis and on-site cost assessments.
  • Ensure proper handling and confidentiality of sensitive project and estimate data, particularly for government-classified work.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

In addition, at the TSS.4 Level
  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert on project cost estimating, frequently mentoring junior staff and contributing to the creation and delivery of training programs on estimating standards and tools.
  • Execute duties under consultative direction, applying independent judgment and considerable latitude to recommend technical solutions that support programmatic goals.
  • Develop and improve estimating work processes, tools, templates, data sources, and contingency methodologies used to support institutional estimating practices.


Qualifications
  • Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in construction cost estimating in a multi-discipline environment.
  • Experience in both Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build project environments.
  • Ability to independently perform complex multidisciplinary construction cost-estimating assignments and contribute to estimating process and tool improvements.Execute duties with minimal supervision, applying independent judgment to recommend technical solutions that support programmatic goals.
  • Advanced knowledge of cost estimation principles, engineering drawings/specifications, and technical codes.
  • Seasoned in estimating software and tools such as Sage Estimating, OST, Bluebeam, MS Excel, and cost scheduling systems.
  • Strong working knowledge of CSI MasterFormat, and labor and materials data from sources such as RS Means, NECA, and SMACNA.
  • Advanced interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical data to varied stakeholders and work collaboratively across departments.

In addition, at the TSS.4 Level
  • Expert knowledge of cost estimation principles, engineering drawings/specifications, and technical codes.
  • Highly advanced in estimating software and tools such as Sage Estimating, OST, Bluebeam, MS Excel, and cost scheduling systems.
  • Subject matter expert knowledge of CSI MasterFormat, and labor and materials data from sources such as RS Means, NECA, and SMACNA.
  • Highly advanced interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical data to varied stakeholders and work collaboratively across departments.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership and guidance on complex, high-impact, or ambiguous estimating issues.

Qualifications We Desire
  • Experience working in high-cost construction markets such as the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Familiarity with Primavera P6, MS Project, AutoCAD, Revit, and SharePoint.

Pay Range

$154,950 - $235,692 Annually

$154,950 - $196,476 at the TSS.3 Level

$185,850 - $235,692 at the TSS.4 Level

This is the lowest to highest salary range in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

About LLNL

LLNL Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join the distinguished team at LLNL—the forefront of scientific research and innovation.

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LLNL offers a plethora of job opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and innovation. Join a team where science and technology pave the way for significant contributions in global security and scientific advancement.

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LLNL is dedicated to the professional growth of its employees, offering unmatched benefits, career development programs, and diversity training. The team at LLNL thrives in an environment that values knowledge-sharing and continuous learning, supported by comprehensive leadership programs.

Internship Programs

Start with an internship at LLNL and step into a world of potential. These positions are designed to harness academic knowledge and apply it in real-world scenarios, providing a robust foundation for future career endeavors in various scientific and administrative fields.

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LLNL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company believes in harnessing the power of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and solve complex problems. Employment at LLNL means being part of a team that values each member's unique skills and backgrounds.

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Networking at LLNL opens doors to expansive career trajectories in numerous disciplines. Employees are encouraged to connect with leaders and peers within and beyond their immediate teams to explore new ideas and career paths.

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