Senior Cost Estimator (SCE)
Remote | Hybrid option: Melbourne, FL or Ellicott City, MD
Salary Range: $125,000-$150,000
The Role
Above Group is looking for a Senior Cost Estimator to own cost estimating on our design projects, from conceptual budgeting through construction documents. You will serve as lead estimator on assigned projects and be the person engineers, project managers, and clients turn to when a design decision has a dollar figure attached. Our portfolio leans heavily toward government and healthcare work, where estimates must be accurate, defensible, and tied tightly to scope.
This is a senior role with real latitude. You will build and maintain the department's master unit-cost database and historical cost library, set the standards and templates the team estimates by, and directly influence which projects we pursue and how we price them.
What You'll Do
- Develop and manage cost estimates for multi-disciplinary projects at every design phase, conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents, and own their accuracy and consistency; serving as lead estimator on assigned projects
- Perform quantity takeoffs directly from Revit and AutoCAD models alongside our BIM and design teams
- Resolve gaps between design intent, scope, and budget through value engineering and cost-benefit analysis
- Prepare conceptual budgets, fee proposals, and comparative cost models supporting business development for prospective clients and projects
- Write basis-of-estimate (BOE) narratives, cost reports, scope clarifications, and qualifications/exclusions; respond to RFIs
- Build and maintain the department's unit-cost database, historical cost library, and estimating standards
- Keep estimates current with code requirements, jurisdictional fees, local bidding conditions, labor rates, and material pricing
- Review design concepts with engineering leads and project managers to align design intent with project budgets
What you Bring to the Role
- 6-10 years in cost estimating, general contracting, or related construction work (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent field/trade experience considered
- General contracting background strongly preferred, with hands-on field and/or estimating experience
- Estimating experience in the government and healthcare markets strongly preferred
- Experience benchmarking labor and material costs against historical data, vendor quotes, and subcontractor pricing.
- Working knowledge of estimating platforms (RSMeans, Sage Estimating/Accubid, ConEst, WinEst, Trade Service) and takeoff tools (Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar)
- Enough Revit and AutoCAD to extract quantities and review MEP design documents
- Proficient knowledge of computers and Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word); Advanced Excel: pivot tables, formulas, macros
- Familiarity with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, telecommunications, and fire protection systems as they relate to cost, constructability, and market pricing
- Strong understanding of general contracting practices, bid processes, subcontractor scope leveling, and contractor cost coding (CSI MasterFormat)
- Strong written and verbal communication; you can hold your own with clients, contractors, and senior leadership
- Ability to work independently/self-motivated, as well as in a collaborative team setting, highly organized, and detail oriented
- Impactful analytical, strategic planning, with the ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
- Discretion and dependability with sensitive cost and client information
- S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency
- Willingness to travel up to 20% for site visits and client meetings
Nice to have: ASPE Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), or similar certification.
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, employer-funded HSA contributions, and an annual profit-sharing bonus tied to the company's collective results.
Remote Work Requirements
This role is fully remote or a hybrid option for candidates residing near Melbourne, FL or Ellicott City, MD. Any type of remote work requires reliable high-speed internet capable of supporting video conferencing, VPN, and cloud applications; a secure home network appropriate for confidential company and client information; and a dedicated, quiet workspace suitable for sustained focus and professional video meetings.
