Construction Cost Estimator
Apply Job ID 40155 Date posted 06/09/2026Job Family:
Capital Projects & Infrastructure Consulting
Travel Required:
Clearance Required:
What You Will Do:
The Cost Estimator will support related construction, design/build, and architecture and engineering projects. The Cost Estimator will be responsible for reviewing technical requirements, drawings, plans, materials and providing detailed cost estimates for the client. The Cost Estimator will assess cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services, and be able to track actual costs relative to contract award costs as the project develops. The Cost Estimator will be able to recommend solutions to be “more” cost effective, gain efficiencies and save money. This position description provides a baseline of areas. However, this list does not restrict performance requested on other related assignments. The cost estimator will support the client in the following areas, to include but not limited to:
Analyzes drawings and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates
Assesses cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services, tracking actual costs relative to contract award costs as the project develops.
Consults with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
Confers with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
Prepares estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
Prepares estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
Identifying and quantifying cost factors, such as production time and raw material, equipment, and labor expenses.
Traveling to job sites to gather information on materials needed, labor requirements, and other factors.
Reading drawings and technical documents to prepare estimates.
Collaborating with engineers, architects, owners, and contractors on estimates.
Using sophisticated computer software to calculate estimates.
Evaluating a product’s cost effectiveness or profitability.
Recommending ways to make a product more cost effective or profitable.
Preparing estimates for the government agent and other Program Managers.
Assists in developing cost documents such as project management plans for the duration of the project. Responds to cost needs for the duration of the project.
Accurately predicts the cost, size, and duration of future construction and manufacturing projects.
Analyzing many inputs in order to determine how much time, money, and labor a project needs, and the lifecycle costs associated with the project.
Using computer software, including databases, to simulate building construction.
Calculating the cost of the construction phase for which the contractor is responsible.
Identifying the direct costs, such as the cost of raw materials and the cost of labor and set a timeline for how long the project will take.
What You Will Need:
Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "TOP SECRET/SCI" security clearance; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of clearance prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an ACTIVE "TOP SECRET/SCI" or higher-level clearance are preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in an area such as economics, mathematics, building science, statistics, construction management, production management, accounting, finance, or engineering; FOUR (4) additional years of relevant experience may be used in lieu of degree.
TEN (10) or more years of experience as a cost estimator on construction projects.
Hold industry recognized certification such as a Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Earned Value Professional (EVP), Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP), Project Management Institute-Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP), etc.
Experience using industry software products used for cost estimating activities to include RS Means and CTC.
What Would Be Nice To Have:
Excellent IT and math skills.
Good problem-solving skills.
The ability to pay close attention to detail.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Good project management skills.
Have a keen sense of business acumen and awareness.
An understanding of the importance of data confidentiality.
Ability to work independently.
The ability to organize work and meet deadlines.
Knowledge of regulations, price trends and exchange rates in building construction and associated trades.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Basic Life & Supplemental Life
Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Student Loan PayDown
Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
Skills Development & Certifications
Employee Referral Program
Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
Mobility Stipend
About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse’s Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant’s dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.