Senior Estimator I, MILCON

ICON is seeking a highly skilled Estimator to support Military Construction (MILCON) projects, integrating ICON’s 3D printing technology with other innovative and traditional construction methods within the Department of Defense (DoD) and federal construction environments. This role will lead cost development, proposal preparation, and pricing analysis for complex design-build and design-bid-build projects in compliance with USACE, NAVFAC, and DoD estimating standards. This role requires deep knowledge of federal cost estimating practices, Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS), and applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) cost principles. The Estimator will partner cross-functionally with ICON’s Design, Engineering, Print Operations, and Construction teams to ensure cost accuracy, compliance, and competitiveness while introducing next-generation construction technology into the MILCON market. This role is based in Austin, TX and will report to the VP of Build Operations.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and manage detailed cost estimates for all phases of MILCON projects (conceptual, schematic, design development, and pre-final) using USACE MII, PACES, or equivalent estimating platforms.
• Structure and format estimates according to UFC 1-300-09N – Design Procedures and UFGS Division 01 requirements.
• Develop and maintain Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) using Uniformat II and CSI MasterFormat aligned with federal reporting and audit requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to accurately price ICON’s 3D-printed wall systems, materials (CarbonX), reinforcement, and proprietary construction methodologies.
• Prepare Basis of Estimate (BOE) narratives, cost assumptions, and supporting documentation to accompany government proposal submissions.
• Participate in pre-solicitation and post-award cost evaluations, including Independent Government Estimate (IGE) validation and Technical Evaluation Board (TEB) discussions.
• Ensure all estimating deliverables conform to USACE Cost Engineering Guidance, NAVFAC Estimating Criteria, and DoD Tri-Service guidance.
• Integrate FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation) and DFARS 215 requirements for cost and pricing data into estimate packages.
• Maintain cost documentation for audit readiness in accordance with USACE Quality Control (QC) procedures and the Three-Phase QC System.
• Account for cost factors related to EM 385-1-1 safety requirements, Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) measures, and Buy American / TAA compliance.
• Support development of internal cost databases and standard assemblies tailored for DoD and MILCON project conditions.
• Solicit and analyze subcontractor and supplier pricing in accordance with FAR/DFARS competitive bidding requirements.
• Conduct bid leveling and evaluate trade proposals for compliance, completeness, and cost competitiveness.
• Research and maintain accurate regional labor, material, and equipment rates applicable to secure military installations.
• Support subcontractor qualification efforts to ensure cost inputs align with DoD-approved and security-cleared trade networks.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Engineers, and Construction Managers to align cost models with production methods and field constraints.
• Contribute to Value Engineering (VE) and Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) processes in accordance with UFC 1-200-02 and OMB Circular A-94.
• Participate in design charrettes, constructability reviews, and technical discussions to inform design-to-budget strategies.
• Assist leadership in identifying cost reduction opportunities, tracking cost trends, and improving estimating accuracy across ICON’s MILCON portfolio.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in estimating for federal, DoD, or MILCON projects, preferably under USACE or NAVFAC contract structures.
• Demonstrated proficiency in:
• USACE MII / PACES estimating systems.
• UFC / UFGS design and construction criteria.
• FAR / DFARS cost and pricing regulations.
• EM 385-1-1 safety and construction cost implications.
• Strong working knowledge of federal cost accounting, WBS development, and basis of estimate documentation.
• High proficiency with Excel, On-Screen Takeoff, and construction estimating software.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and technical writing skills.
• Security clearance eligibility (Secret or higher).

 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• USACE/NAVFAC Constr