What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Estimator position at Patriot Talent Solutions?
Cost Estimator – Government & Infrastructure Projects
Location: Office-Based with Occasional Travel
Employment Type: Full-Time
Overview
We’re hiring a senior-level Cost Estimator to support federal, state, and municipal contracting efforts through accurate, defensible project pricing.
This role is responsible for developing detailed cost estimates across construction and infrastructure projects, supporting proposal development, budgeting, and project execution. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in government contracting environments and can translate complex technical and scope requirements into clear, reliable pricing models.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Cost Development
- Develop conceptual, preliminary, and final cost estimates across construction and infrastructure projects
- Review drawings, specifications, and statements of work to determine labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor scope
- Prepare quantity takeoffs and cost analyses across multiple disciplines (civil, structural, MEP, architectural)
- Build pricing models factoring in labor productivity, market conditions, escalation, indirects, and risk
- Produce ROM budgets, independent cost estimates, and formal proposal pricing packages
- Evaluate subcontractor/vendor quotes for completeness and competitiveness
Government Contract & Proposal Support
- Support pricing strategies for public sector bids and proposals
- Develop Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation and pricing narratives
- Ensure compliance with federal contracting standards (FAR/DFARS, prevailing wage, etc.)
- Participate in pricing reviews, customer discussions, and internal proposal evaluations
- Support change orders, contract modifications, and cost forecasting
Project & Stakeholder Coordination
- Partner with project managers, engineers, and operations teams to validate scope and assumptions
- Support field reviews and site walkdowns to enhance estimate accuracy
- Ensure alignment between scope, schedule, and cost assumptions
Process & Documentation
- Maintain estimating files, historical cost data, and pricing documentation
- Contribute to development of estimating standards, templates, and cost databases
- Manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
What Success Looks Like
- Accurate, defensible estimates aligned to scope and contract requirements
- Strong proposal support with clear, audit-ready pricing documentation
- Consistent delivery under tight deadlines with minimal rework
- Effective coordination across technical, operational, and pricing teams
Required Experience
- 10 years of estimating experience in construction, infrastructure, or industrial projects
- Proven track record supporting federal, state, or municipal contracts
- Strong ability to interpret technical drawings, specs, and contract documentation
- Experience building detailed labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor estimates
Preferred Background
- Experience with DoD, DOE, Army Corps, or similar agencies
- Exposure to IDIQ, MATOC, task order, or firm-fixed-price environments
- Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and project controls
- Certifications such as CPE, PMP, or similar are a plus
Key Skills
- Construction estimating and cost modeling
- Government contract pricing and compliance
- Risk analysis and forecasting
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Clear communication and stakeholder management
Additional Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Ability to obtain project-specific clearances as needed
- Valid driver’s license
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled