Senior Cost Estimator

Own the estimate, explain the reasoning, and deliver for the client. We expect accurate, complete work, technically correct responses to reviews, and dependable delivery within the agreed fee and scope. Client-driven deadlines must be met: work with clients and fellow ProDims staff, stay flexible, and coordinate priorities internally rather than asking the client to solve our workload scheduling.

A/E design-side cost estimating for all types of buildings and related site development, including utilities, paving and landscaping; complex modernization, remodeling and seismic upgrades; and heavy-civil projects such as aviation runways, hardstands, taxiways, underground utilities, earthwork, shoring and retaining walls.

• Identify the scope and perform quantity takeoffs from design-team information that meet the owner’s project objectives. Develop conceptual parametric estimates across UniFormat II divisions when detailed design information is not yet available.
• Prepare estimates at schematic design, design development and construction document stages (SD/DD/CD), with a level of detail appropriate to the design information. Develop current labor, material and equipment pricing across CSI divisions using vendor, subcontractor and design-team input.
• Produce complete estimates with summary sheets, assumptions, qualifications and alternatives or options. Quantities and pricing must reflect the scope, project location, construction schedule and method of contractor procurement.
• Develop owner soft costs with the owner and design team to produce complete project cost estimates. Write a detailed Basis of Estimate in Word, then issue clear client-ready PDFs, reports and any additional requested cost information.
• Answer all questions related to the estimate. Promptly analyze and respond to every cost-related review comment, regardless of source; make technically correct revisions and explain how each comment was handled, including the location of corrections.
• Meet the owner’s project schedule. A/E design-side assignments typically run 2–7 days, rather than multiple weeks. Prioritize work internally, coordinate the overall estimate on larger projects, and manage each assignment within the approved ProDims contracted fee and scope.
• Work directly with owners and clients and attend project meetings within the scope of work. Support value engineering and risk modeling studies with cost information and respond to other project cost-data requests by the required deadlines.
• Bring established client contacts and work. Develop or assist with ProDims proposals, attend design-team interviews, and support prime teams in winning additional work.

• BS in engineering, construction management, architecture or business, with 8–15 years of A/E design-side estimating experience. General contractor or subcontractor bidding, material ordering, and crew sizing or duration planning are different skill sets.
• Ability to estimate any type of vertical building project; military, educational, structural and civil project experience is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, as-built markups, written narratives, sketches, photos, surveys, reports, Matterport photo sets, contract specifications, options and alternatives, and other technical documents defining the scope.
• Strong interpersonal skills with clients, architects, project managers, subcontractors and staff; clear written and oral communication and effective listening.
• A self-starting, motivated and ethical approach to the work. Excellent attention to detail, an emphasis on quality, and organized, systematic working habits that achieve accuracy and efficiency.
• U.S. citizenship and successful completion of a background check.

• Proficiency with MS Office Excel templates, On-Screen Takeoff 3, the current version of MCACES and its related RSMeans database, Bluebeam and Adobe PDF.
• Work efficiently and consistently in client-specific Excel formats. Translate and sort cost data between UniFormat II / Level 3, CSI / WBS, high-level and custom client formats, including occasional change-order formats.
• Deliver Excel files the client and owner can use without internal macros or links to external Excel workbooks.
• Work across online file-sharing platforms, including Procore, ACC/AutoCAD, Box and SharePoint. Strictly follow all ProDims requirements for handling files, email and information on internal computer systems.

• Paid vacation — 80–104 hours per year, based on tenure.
• Paid holidays — Nine per year; client-site schedules may vary.
• Paid sick leave — One hour for every 40 hours worked.
• Personal day — Eight paid hours per year.
• Bereavement leave — Up to three days; accrued leave applies.
• Medical insurance — 100% of employee premiums paid.
• Dental insurance — 100% of employee premiums paid.
• Vision insurance — 100% of employee premiums paid.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — Employer-paid coverage.
• Basic life & AD&D — $25,000 in included coverage.
• Voluntary term life — Optional employee and family coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan — Eligible after 90 days; no employer match.
• Professional development — Approved courses, seminars & societies.
• Biweekly pay — Every other Friday.

Dependent premiums are employee-paid. Health coverage starts the first of the month after 60 days; see the employee manual for eligibility and plan details.

Email your application to jobs@prodims.com:

• Résumé
• Cover letter
• Relevant work experience or project examples (optional)