Job Details

Flex Staff Cost Estimator

We are seeking skilled estimators to independently prepare, analyze, and validate cost estimates for assigned federal construction projects across various disciplines, including vertical and horizontal construction. This role ensures that all estimates are accurate, compliant with federal requirements, and aligned with project objectives. This is a pipeline requisition for upcoming federal project hires.

Job duties include:

• Preparing detailed, discipline-specific, and total project cost estimates using industry-standard cost estimating tools.
• Analyzing contractor cost proposals, bids, and change orders for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal regulations.
• Interpreting and quantifying drawings, specifications, and statements of work to develop cost estimates and supporting documentation.
• Incorporating and referencing unified facilities criteria, service instructions, and other applicable codes, standards, and design guides.
• Developing and maintaining cost models, pricing databases, and historical cost data.
• Collaborating with project managers, construction oversight specialists, engineers, and contracting officers.
• Supporting value engineering efforts by identifying cost-saving opportunities and evaluating alternative materials or methods.
• Preparing detailed cost analyses, estimate narratives, and justification documentation for government review and audit purposes.
• Evaluating risk and contingency requirements based on project complexity, market conditions, and uncertainty levels.
• Providing input for budget development, life-cycle cost analyses, and independent government estimates.
• Participating in pre-bid meetings, design reviews, and post-award evaluations.
• Ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations, cost accounting standards, and agency-specific estimating procedures.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Bachelors degree.
• Five years of relevant experience. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with large federal construction quality programs.
• Certified cost engineer (CCE), certified cost consultant (CCC), certified cost professional (CCP), or equivalent accreditation.

EEO statement:

CDM Smith is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith?

Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job site location: United States - Nationwide.

Amount of travel required: 100%.

Assignment category: Fulltime-temporary.

Visa sponsorship available: No.

Skills and abilities include:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Ability to pass a federal background check.
• Proficiency in estimating tools required; experience with similar cost systems preferred.
• Thorough understanding of federal estimating processes, standards, and value engineering principles.
• Knowledge of applicable regulations and compliance standards.
• Strong reporting, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Familiar and comfortable working on computers/tablets/phones.
• Good interpersonal skills to cultivate relationships with colleagues, customers, and partners.

Background check and drug testing information:

CDM Smith reserves the right to require background checks and drug testing for certain positions.

Pay range minimum: $76,440.

Pay range maximum: $159,432.

Additional compensation: All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Work location options: Successful candidate will be required to work 100% in field locations.

Drivers license requirements: An appropriate and valid drivers license is required.

Seeking candidates for a potential future opportunity! This is an "evergreen" position which will be used to build our candidate pool but is not a role that is open at this time. If you are interested in being considered for this position should this position become available, we encourage you to apply to be part of our talent community. By having your information on file, we can reach out to you when this or a similar role officially opens.

Massachusetts applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.