Cost Estimator

AppleOne is assisting a client that is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to support active LA Metro rail and transit projects. You’ll develop and validate estimates for complex capital work, including Design-Build and other Alternative Delivery, and partner closely with project controls, engineering, and procurement to drive accurate budgets and confident decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed construction cost estimates from concept through final construction documents.
• Perform disciplined quantity takeoffs from plans/specs and supporting documentation.
• Research and maintain current unit prices; apply accurate labor, equipment, and material costs.
• Support senior estimators on scope changes, change-order analysis, and estimate reconciliations.
• Draft and maintain the Basis of Estimate (BOE) for each submission.
• Prepare estimates for Design-Build, CMGC, CMAR, and other Alternative Delivery projects.
• Contribute to internal benchmarking, databases, and cost models.
• Participate in design and constructability meetings to understand phasing and access/staging constraints.
• Use estimating tools such as HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam Revu, Excel, and On-Screen Takeoff.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field.
• 10–15 years of cost estimating for public infrastructure (ideally transit/rail/transportation).
• Experience working in Design-Build and Alternative Delivery environments.
• Strong Excel skills; comfort working with cost and quantity data.
• Ability to read/interpret construction drawings and technical documents.
• Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills.

Preferred:

• Prior support for LA Metro or similar Southern California public agencies.
• Proficiency in HCSS HeavyBid, Sage Estimating, or equivalent tools.
• Familiarity with On-Screen Takeoff and Bluebeam Revu workflows.
• Exposure to risk-based estimating and cost forecasting approaches.