Cost Estimator

About the Position 

We’re seeking Cost Estimators at various levels to shape budgets for large, complex transportation and transit programs delivered through both traditional and alternative methods. You’ll build detailed estimates, monitor cost escalation and labor trends, and serve as contact for cost-related matters. By issuing clear progress updates, flagging risks early, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, you’ll help keep programs on track, within budget, and poised for success. 

This posting is for future roles and not for a specific opportunity that is available right now. We accept applications and conduct interviews in advance of upcoming hiring needs. When a candidate is selected, their profile is activated in our talent pool for this specialty area. We notify our talent pool candidates first whenever we have a project need. This posting targets Baltimore, MD.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following  

• Develop project and construction estimates, schedules, and costs.   
• Responsible for cost escalation, orders of magnitude, cost of materials, and labor rates.  
• Perform sensitivity analyses for escalation, commodity swings, and delivery strategies, presenting findings to the appropriate teams.  
• Coordinate with designers, schedulers, and procurement to align estimates with phasing plans, cash-flow curves, and contracting strategies. 
• Serve as a point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring clear communication of project progress, issues, and solutions.  
• Provide regular project updates to stakeholders, including senior management and clients, highlighting project status, accomplishments, and potential roadblocks. 

Attributes 

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills. 
• Collaborative mindset that fosters teamwork, trust, and positive relationships. 
• Natural curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for continuous improvement. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.   
• 5 years of hands-on estimating experience for large, complex transportation (highways, roads, bridges), transit (rail or bus), or aviation (international airports) infrastructure projects. 
• Experience developing project and construction estimates, schedules, and costs.  
• Experience with cost escalation, orders of magnitude, cost of materials, and labor rates.  
• Ability to read and interpret design drawings, specifications, BIM models, and work-breakdown structures. 
• Proficiency with industry-standard estimating and project-controls software (e.g., Timberline, HCSS, RSMeans, etc.)  
• Proficiency with Primavera P6 or MS Project. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in engineering, construction management, or quantity surveying. 
• Active professional certifications such as CCE, CCEA, CCP, CEP, PSP (AACE); PMP or PMI-SP (PMI). 
• PE license in relevant jurisdiction(s). 
• Experience with large (>$500M), complex, heavy-civil infrastructure projects that include highways, roads, bridges, transit (including rail and bus), and/or airport projects. 
• Experience delivering projects through both traditional and alternative methods (e.g., DB, CM/GC, P3).  
• Experience with Microsoft Power BI, Oracle Cloud Analytics, or other dashboard KPI reporting software. 

Compensation Details 

The salary range listed for this role is $100k-$200k/year ($48-$96/hour). The final salary offered will be based on multiple factors and thoughtfully aligned with each candidate’s level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, geographic location, etc. 

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!  

• Unlimited flexible time off  
• Paid holidays  
• Paid parental leave  
• Health, dental, and vision insurance  
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent or elder care)  
• Long-term disability insurance  
• Short-term disability insurance  
• Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment 
• 401(k) plan with guaranteed employer contribution  
• Formal career planning and development program  
• $2,500 annually toward professional development  
• Wellness program with monthly wellness stipend  
• Company cell phone or cell phone plan reimbursement  
• Free personalized meal planning and nutrition support with a registered dietitian  
• Free personal financial planning services  
• Employee assistance program  
• Employee discounts  
• Employee referral bonus  

Specific plan details and coverage for each benefit noted above will be provided upon offer.

Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.

Please email hiring@luster.com for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.