Principal Estimator

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Job Description:

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Principal Estimator to join our team at the Los Angeles World Airports! In this role you will prepare Independent Cost Estimates to support projects during planning, design and construction. Telework is available Monday and Friday. You will be onsite at LAX on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Prepare and/or review final Engineer’s estimate including factors such as Phasing, Airport Operations, Shift, Resources, Time Constraints and Badging impacts.
• Develop a detailed and Independent Cost Estimate from conceptual information and/or engineering drawings.
• Prepare detailed estimates comprising labor hours/composite crew costs, itemized material costs and

• Equipment cost.

• Provide Constructability Reports to proactively identify deficiencies and ambiguities; and actively assist the project team to develop a credible cost budget.
• Actively reconcile independent cost estimates with those prepared by third parties; engage the third-party entities in an informative, collaborative reconciliation; and communicate the results of the reconciliation effort.
• Ability to analyze bids from vendors, contractors and subcontractors and align with Independent Cost Estimate.
• Determining what factors of production will influence the cost of work.
• Having the ability to identify necessary field equipment needed by contractors.
• Presenting prepared estimates to management and other stakeholders.
• Lead Negotiation Meetings with contractors and subcontractors.
• Prepare and review material take-offs from planning documents or engineering drawings.
• Prepare detailed breakdown of components and elements of estimates for systems and subsystems.
• Accumulate, evaluate and document historical cost data for the development of future estimates.
• Review contract documents and contract modifications to determine scope of work and equitable cost allowance for scope changes.
• Review Contractor Potential Change Order Claims for Merit and negotiate to final resolution.  Review the proposal and assist with the determination of merit.
• Conduct Weekly Estimate Review Meetings of Contractor Potential Change Notices and prepare Meeting Minutes.
• Review the scope specified within the proposal to ensure it includes the appropriate scope.
• Review the labor rates to ensure conformance to the contract specifications, and LAWA approved rates.
• Become thoroughly familiar with required contractual obligations, technical aspects of all construction work including Allowances, Bid Line Items and new scope of work.
• Review quantities and ensure there is a fair and reasonable representation of additional scope, as well as possible credits.
• Review the material pricing and validate against R.S. Means for other pricing references.
• Review pre-purchased material or equipment and/or equipment rental rates against fair and reasonable pricing references using contract blue book and or Cal Trans Rates.
• Review contractor mark-ups to ensure that the correct mark-ups are being used and that any mark-up caps are not exceeded.
• Discuss the LAWA position after the contractor established their position.
• Determine points of disagreement and path to resolution. Adopt a reasonable, but contractual attitude.
• Develop the record of negotiation documentation and provide an Independent Cost Estimate.
• Provide coordination and liaison with project management and project engineering personnel throughout the estimate development.
• Prepare required reports and correspondence.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• 15 years or more in general estimating experience directly related to both engineering and construction projects. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is preferred.
• Certified estimating professional credential required.
• Experience managing a team of cost estimators
• Demonstrated experience with complex estimate reconciliations and change order negotiations.
• Demonstrated experience in getting independent estimates from vendors/contractors as check estimates against contractor proposal estimated costs and negotiations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of construction-related processes, as well as a thorough knowledge of industry practices. Sel