Senior Cost Estimator (MTA EXPERIENCE REQUIRED)

Job Summary

AI Engineers, Inc. is seeking a Cost Estimator to support construction management services for Metro-North Railroad (MNR) projects. The successful candidate will prepare independent cost estimates, evaluate contractor proposals, and support change order negotiations for work within an active railroad environment. This position requires an understanding of railroad construction operations, force account estimating and cost verification, and the effects of track outages, protective services, and restricted work windows on project costs.

Duties

• Prepare detailed independent cost estimates and quantity takeoffs for MNR infrastructure projects, including civil, structural, track, power, signal, communications, and utility work, as applicable.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, field conditions, and proposed work plans to establish scope and identify cost impacts.
• Evaluate contractor change order proposals, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor costs, and applicable markups.
• Prepare and review force account estimates and supporting records for work performed by railroad personnel, including crew composition, labor hours, overtime, applicable labor additives, equipment, and materials.
• Distinguish railroad force account costs from contractor force account or cost-plus work and evaluate each under the applicable requirements.
• Review railroad protective service costs, including flagging and other required railroad support.
• Account for track outages, power outages, limited access, work windows, mobilization, and construction sequencing when evaluating productivity and costs.
• Reconcile force account estimates and billings with daily reports, time records, material records, equipment usage, and documented work performed.
• Coordinate with MNR representatives, project managers, resident engineers, inspectors, and designers to verify scope, quantities, and resource requirements.
• Prepare cost comparisons, price justifications, and negotiation recommendations with clear supporting documentation.

Qualifications

• Construction cost estimating experience on Metro-North Railroad or comparable active railroad infrastructure projects; direct MNR experience strongly preferred.
• 15 years experience minimum.
• Demonstrated understanding of railroad force account estimating, cost tracking, billing review, and reconciliation.
• Experience reviewing railroad labor classifications, crew requirements, overtime, labor additives, equipment charges, and material costs.
• Familiarity with MNR construction operations and the cost implications of railroad protective services, track access, outages, and restricted work windows.
• Experience preparing independent estimates, evaluating contractor change orders, and reviewing contractor force account or cost-plus documentation.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, technical documents, and field records and perform detailed quantity takeoffs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with estimating and quantity takeoff software, such as Bluebeam.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to explain and substantiate cost recommendations.