Senior Estimator
APTIMAbout the role
Job Overview:
APTIM is seeking an experienced Senior Construction Estimator to join our growing team. This role is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for a wide range of construction and environmental projects, with a strong emphasis on federal government clients, including the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE), FEMA, and other state and local agencies.
The ideal candidate is a strategic estimator with extensive experience preparing conceptual, parametric, and detailed bottom-up estimates throughout the project lifecycle. This individual will serve as a technical leader, collaborating with Business Development, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Proposal teams to develop winning pricing strategies and high-quality proposals.
Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
- Lead the development of construction cost estimates from conceptual planning through detailed design and final proposal submission.
- Prepare accurate estimates using limited or evolving project information by applying industry expertise, historical data, and collaboration with subject matter experts.
- Develop and review conceptual, ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude), parametric, and detailed bottom-up estimates for a variety of project types.
- Lead major proposal estimating efforts, coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver complete and competitive pricing packages.
- Solicit, evaluate, and incorporate subcontractor and vendor quotations into project estimates.
- Perform constructability reviews and identify project risks, assumptions, and cost drivers to improve estimate accuracy.
- Develop pricing strategies, labor billing rate schedules, indirect cost allocations, and estimate documentation for multiple contract types.
- Review estimates prepared by other team members and provide technical guidance and mentorship to promote estimating best practices.
- Support proposal development activities by collaborating with Business Development and Capture teams to develop competitive solutions.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, databases, cost assemblies, and standardized estimating models.
- Present estimate assumptions, methodologies, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and project stakeholders.
- Manage multiple estimates simultaneously while meeting aggressive proposal schedules and maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Cost Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline; equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
- 5–10 years of construction and/or environmental industry experience, preferably supporting federal government projects.
- 5–7 years of estimating and preconstruction experience.
- Demonstrated experience supporting projects for DoD, DOE, FEMA, USACE, GSA, or other federal, state, or local government agencies.
- Strong experience developing detailed bottom-up estimates as well as conceptual, ROM, and parametric estimates.
- Proficiency with estimating software such as InEight, Sage Estimating (Timberline), RSMeans, or similar industry platforms.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including complex formulas, cost models, and data analysis.
- Working knowledge of contracts, subcontracts, scheduling, procurement, and change order management.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines and perform effectively in a fast-paced proposal environment.
- Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), Certified Cost Professional (CCP), or equivalent professional certification.
- Familiarity with federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS) and government procurement processes.
- Experience developing estimating databases, assemblies, cost models, and standardized estimating procedures.
- Expe
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