Position Summary
The Senior Cost Estimator for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) trades for PMA Consultants is a key role reporting to the PMO Program Controls Manager and Lead Estimator. This position involves meticulously planning and participating in preparing construction cost estimates for various structures based on drawings and specifications. The Senior Cost Estimator evaluates cost-estimating deliverables, conducts site visits, and performs material takeoffs for MEP systems. They analyze pricing documents, collaborate with project stakeholders, and identify cost-saving opportunities. With the ability to work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, this role ensures accuracy and completeness in estimates, prepares technical evaluations, and contributes to value engineering efforts. Proficiency in Excel for basic calculations is required in this position.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Planning and participating in preparing construction cost estimates based on drawings, outlines, and specifications.
- Evaluating cost-estimating deliverables for accuracy and completeness.
- Preparing fair cost estimates for contractor proposals and conducting special studies when bids vary from estimates.
- Conducting site visits, performing material takeoffs, and evaluating pricing documents for cost estimation.
- Collaborating with project stakeholders to identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving measures.
- Preparing technical evaluations, analyzing cost-influencing factors, and comparing estimates with contractor proposals for discrepancies.
Position Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or related field. Additional qualifying experience beyond the minimum may substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis.
- 10 years of recent professional experience in complete cost estimation for type I, II or III, and V building construction per state building codes, including 5-7 years specifically in MEP estimating.
- Expertise in theories, principles, and practices of cost estimation and contract pricing.
- Proficiency in design-build, design-bid-build, and job order contracting forms of contracting.
- Comprehensive understanding of construction methods for buildings and structures.
- Thorough knowledge of current local construction labor and material costs.
- Extensive familiarity with MEP systems, construction methods, and industry standards.
- Significant experience in developing and estimating change order scopes of work.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in performing basic calculations in Excel.
- Preferred familiarity with prevailing wage/union labor rates.
- Preferred knowledge of utilization of NECA and MCAA labor productivity metrics.
- Proficiency in RS Means, Accubid, Trimble MEP, or Bluebeam Revu software.
- Detail-oriented with emphasis on accuracy and thoroughness.
- Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Effective communication and negotiation skills.
Additional Requirements
Physical: Standing or sitting for long periods; must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times and spend extended hours in front of a computer screen.
Cognitive: Problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills; computer and software skills; and ability to read and interpret text online or in printed form.
About PMA
At PMA, employee well-being is a daily priority. We offer a combination of workplace options that include a PMA office location; work-from-home; or a client site. Wherever we work, we openly share knowledge as we believe that collaboration with peers improves our work product and that pursuing subject matter expertise is a lifelong endeavor.
We are committed to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We affirm and respect diverse backgrounds and opinions because we believe they yield the best solutions for our clients. We promote emotional intelligence and trust by nurturing these values within our new hires.
We encourage staff to develop rewarding, long-term careers at PMA, and we implement formal leadership development programs that help you attain your goals. At PMA, shared success is a core value. Every employee who contributes is recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. We look for self-driven candidates eager to assume responsibility and join a community of respect founded on collaboration and accountability, not titles. If you aim to transform the project management practice toward continuous improvement of project outcomes, the profession, and yourself, PMA looks forward to warmly welcoming you to our team.
We offer competitive pay and benefits, wellness programs for you and your family, and career development opportunities to advance your professional goals.
As a PMA professional, you will be empowered to make timely and effective decisions and significant daily contributions to complex facets of project delivery. Join a team that has achieved a world-class reputation in the construction industry and has been voted a “Best Place to Work.”
PMA offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, time off with pay, 401(k) with company match, life, disability, and professional development reimbursement for qualifying employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. Qualified female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.
EOE, including persons with disabilities and veterans.
VEVRAA federal contractor.
