Manager, Aviation Program Controls Cost Estimating

The Port of Seattle

$90K — $120K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 4 years estimating experience in pre-construction and/or construction projects.
  • At least 2 years in a supervisory, lead, or mentoring role.
  • Bachelor's degree in business, construction management, architecture, or engineering preferred.
  • Expertise in producing cost estimates by analyzing scope and operational impacts.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams.
  • Excellent communication ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
  • Proficient in decision-making and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage accurate cost estimates for capital planning and project budgets.
  • Oversee departmental operations, including supervising staff and managing estimating processes.
  • Coordinate with stakeholders to finalize scope and recommendations for various programs.
  • Review and ensure the quality and accuracy of project estimates before distribution.
  • Support project managers with approval presentations and bid estimates development.
  • Create work packages with detailed labor and material cost breakdown.
  • Maintain databases with updated cost information from relevant projects.

Benefits

  • Flexible work schedule with options for varied start and end times.
  • Hybrid work environment with in-office days as per management discretion.
  • Mandated residency in Washington State upon employment.
  • Pass required background checks for security clearance.
Full Job Description
Applications will be reviewed regularly. The first review of applications will be on August 10, 2026, and interviews may be conducted prior to the close date.

Salary offers will be made within the posted range. Placement within the range will be determined based on your similar work experience. The Port considers work experience to be similar if the scope and level of responsibility of your prior positions match the job being offered.

Applications will be reviewed regularly. The first review of applications will be on August 10, 2026, and interviews may be conducted prior to the close date.

As the Manager, Aviation Program Controls Cost Estimating, you will develop estimates, manage processes ensure resources are available to provide estimating services, and are responsible for the quality of and timely delivery of cost estimates. These estimates are the basis for capital planning, tracking project budgets, and developing the cost of construction for bidding work and change orders.
  • You will oversee departmental operations by supervising/mentoring staff, managing estimating processes and budgets, assigning tasks, administering consultant contracts, coordinating and comparing independent estimates, and leading review meetings to resolve scope differences and provide final recommendations to design and planning teams.
  • You will coordinate with key stakeholders to review scope, examine any differences, and provide final recommendations to the design and/or planning team for various airfield, landside, terminal, and infrastructure programs.
  • You will review project estimates for quality and accuracy prior to distribution. You will review estimate elements, including pricing, soft costs, contingencies, scope, design documents, schedules, project logistics, and operational impacts.
  • You will support project managers and project controllers by supporting approval presentations, reviewing design team and in-house estimates, and developing bid estimates. You will also determine appropriate advertisement ranges for upcoming project opportunities.
  • You will develop work packages for major trades with detailed labor productivity and rates, material, and equipment costs to ensure current pricing. Contact contractors and material suppliers to verify market prices and trends. You will review and assist in negotiating construction contracts on General Contractor/Construction Manager (GCCM) and Tenant Reimbursement Agreement (TRA) contracts.
  • You will update and maintain cost databases reflecting bid results from Port of Seattle projects and projects of similar scope and complexity that have bids in the Northwest.


Who you are:

  • Experienced - You have four (4) years of estimating experience in pre-construction and/or construction projects, and two (2) years of supervisory/lead/mentor experience including leading a project or process.
  • Desired - We hope you have a bachelor's degree in business, construction management, architecture, or engineering.
  • Committed to Equity - You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
  • Cost Estimating - You are skilled in producing accurate, comprehensive cost estimates by analyzing scope, schedules, and operational impacts. Able to compare estimates, resolve differences with stakeholders, support bid development, and maintain up to date cost databases to inform capital planning and budgeting.
  • Relationship Builder - You are someone who can work with diverse staff, at various levels of the organization, to resolve problems while providing excellent guidance and customer service.
  • Effective Communicator - You have advanced communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to garner trust and build strong, credible relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
  • Problem Solver - You are skilled at effective decision-making and problem-solving skills. You know how to determine the immediacy of assignments and prioritize projects and timelines.


What else you need to know:

  • Work Schedule - Your normal work schedule will be Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role.
  • Work Environment - This work will take place in a hybrid/in-office setting at Management's discretion.
  • Washington State Residency Requirement - Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.
  • Security Requirements - As the successful candidate, you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance.


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