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Chief Estimator Project Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jaquith Consulting Group Inc

Chief Estimator

Fresno, CA · On-site

$220K - $265K/yr

Reporting to the Deputy Director, PMO Project Execution Branch , the Chief Estimator works with substantial independence in selecting estimate methodology, allocating cost risk, and establishing the ...

Thornton Construction Company

Chief Estimator

Opa Locka, FL · On-site

$119K - $158K/yr

Manage workloads to meet project deadlines, overseeing personal and subordinate schedules to ensure timely delivery. * Prepare and analyze cost models, maintain a cost history database for budget and ...

ModCorr LLC

Chief Estimator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$116K - $154K/yr

The Chief Estimator will work closely with Preconstruction, Operations, Project Management, Design/Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and executive leadership to evaluate opportunities ...

ModCorr LLC

Chief Estimator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$116K - $154K/yr

The Chief Estimator will work closely with Preconstruction, Operations, Project Management, Design/Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and executive leadership to evaluate opportunities ...

NR Consulting

Chief Estimator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$126K - $167K/yr

The Chief Estimator coordinates with project managers, engineers, and field leadership to clarify scope, assess risks, and support project planning. Daily tasks include managing the estimating ...

J.J. Barney Construction

Chief Estimator

Rochester Hills, MI · On-site

$118K - $157K/yr

Work alongside project managers, field superintendents, and executive leadership to align estimates with project execution and corporate goals. * Prepare detailed and accurate estimates: Attend pre ...

Loenbro

Chief Estimator

Franklin, TN · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Chief Estimator - Mechanical/Structural Company: Loenbro, LLC Location: Franklin, TN Reports to ... to manage multiple projects concurrently and perform effectively under tight deadlines and ...

Rogers Group

Estimator/Project Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

This position reports to the Chief Estimator. The successful candidate for this role will have an ... manage projects and resolve operational issues. * Analyzes project cost, and pricing information ...

Loenbro

Chief Estimator

Franklin, TN · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Chief Estimator - Mechanical/Structural Company: Loenbro, LLC Location: Franklin, TN Reports to ... Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and perform effectively under tight ...

Thornton Construction Company

Chief Estimator

Opa Locka, FL · On-site

$119K - $158K/yr

Manage workloads to meet project deadlines, overseeing personal and subordinate schedules to ensure timely delivery. * Prepare and analyze cost models, maintain a cost history database for budget and ...

Rogers Group

Estimator/Project Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

This position reports to the Chief Estimator. The successful candidate for this role will have an ... manage projects and resolve operational issues. * Analyzes project cost, and pricing information ...

Primech Recruiting

Chief Estimator

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Chief Estimator - HVAC & Plumbing (Commercial Mechanical Contractor) Location: Kansas City Metro ... Partner with leadership, project management, and operations to ensure a smooth transition from ...

Transdev

Chief Estimator - Project Engineer

San Dimas, CA · On-site

$136K - $169K/yr

Transdev is hiring a Project Manager/Estimator in San Dimas, CA. Transdev is proud to offer: Competitive compensation between $136,000 - $169,000 per year Benefits include: Vacation: minimum of two ...

J.J. Barney Construction, Inc.

$125 - $150/hr

Work alongside project managers, field superintendents, and executive leadership to align estimates with project execution and corporate goals. * Prepare detailed and accurate estimates: Attend pre ...

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Chief Estimator Project Manager information

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$42.5K

$97.8K

$149.5K

How much do chief estimator project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief estimator project manager in the United States is $97,768.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief estimator project manager do?

A Chief Estimator Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the preparation of cost estimates and budgets for construction projects, while also managing the overall planning and execution of those projects. This role involves leading a team of estimators, analyzing project plans and specifications, and ensuring that bids are accurate and competitive. Additionally, they work closely with clients, subcontractors, and other stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. The Chief Estimator Project Manager plays a key role in both the pre-construction and construction phases, balancing technical expertise with leadership and project management skills.

How does a chief estimator project manager balance cost estimation and project management responsibilities?

In this dual-role position, balancing detailed cost estimation and effective project management is a common challenge. Chief Estimator Project Managers often dedicate specific blocks of time to each function, leveraging strong organizational skills and advanced software tools to streamline both estimating and project tracking. Collaboration with estimators, engineers, and on-site teams is crucial to ensure estimates remain accurate as project scopes evolve. Regular communication and clear documentation help manage changes and align cost projections with project execution, ensuring both budget adherence and project timelines are met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief estimator project manager?

To thrive as a Chief Estimator Project Manager, you need expertise in cost estimation, project management, and construction methodologies, often supported by a degree in construction management or engineering. Familiarity with estimating software (such as Sage Estimating or Bluebeam), project management platforms (like Procore or MS Project), and industry certifications (such as PMP or a Certified Professional Estimator credential) is common. Strong leadership, negotiation, and analytical thinking are vital soft skills for coordinating teams and managing client expectations. These competencies ensure accurate project bids, efficient execution, and profitability within competitive construction environments.

What is the difference between Chief Estimator Project Manager vs Project Engineer?

AspectChief Estimator Project ManagerProject Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires construction management or engineering degrees, certifications like CCM or PMPUsually holds engineering or construction-related degrees, PMP certification beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees bidding, estimating, and project planning at a managerial levelSupports project execution, coordinates between teams, and manages technical tasks
Industry UsageCommonly found in construction firms managing large projectsFound in construction and engineering projects assisting project managers

The Chief Estimator Project Manager focuses on estimating, bidding, and overall project leadership, while the Project Engineer handles technical aspects and supports project execution. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities within construction projects.

How much do chief estimators project managers make in the US?

Chief estimators and project managers in the US typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, with median salaries around $100,000. Compensation varies based on experience, industry, location, and company size, and these roles often require strong project management skills and industry certifications.

Is a chief estimator project manager a stressful job?

A chief estimator project manager role can be stressful due to responsibilities such as budgeting, bidding, and coordinating multiple projects under tight deadlines. The job requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage pressure effectively. Stress levels may vary depending on project complexity and organizational support.

What cities are hiring for Chief Estimator Project Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Chief Estimator Project Manager job openings:

What states have the most Chief Estimator Project Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chief Estimator Project Manager jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Estimator Project Manager jobs?

For Chief Estimator Project Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chief Estimator Project Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,768 per year, or $47 per hour.

Chief Estimator

Fresno, CA • On-site

Jaquith Consulting Group Inc
See more jobs at Jaquith Consulting Group Incexternal

$220K - $265K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Description
Job Description
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Profit sharing
  • Vision insurance

Client / Engagement: California High-Speed Rail
Location: Fresno, CA (50% travel to Sacramento and field offices)
Salary Range: $220,000-$265,000 (commensurate with experience)
Employment Type: Full-time

Position Summary
Jaquith Consulting Group is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to serve as the senior cost estimating authority for the Track, Systems & Civil Construction (TSCC) contract, responsible for the development, validation, and maintenance of construction cost estimates across all phases of project delivery, from conceptual (AACE Class 5) through definitive (AACE Class 1) estimates. The position leads estimate development for baseline budgets, change orders, claims quantum, and independent cost reviews, and serves as the primary point of coordination between the Authority’s Program Controls function, the design-build/CM at-risk contractor’s estimating team, and the Program Management/Oversight Consultant (PMOC) on matters of cost basis, methodology, and risk-adjusted contingency. Reporting to the Deputy Director, PMO Project Execution Branch, the Chief Estimator works with substantial independence in selecting estimate methodology, allocating cost risk, and establishing the technical basis of estimates, escalating significant or unresolved cost positions as they arise. This is a professional-level position requiring independent judgment on estimate methodology, cost risk allocation, and the technical defensibility of estimates presented to Authority executive leadership, the Board, and federal funding partners (FRA, FTA).
The TSCC contract encompasses trackwork, systems (traction power, train control/PTC, communications, SCADA), and heavy civil construction scope delivered under a design-build or CM/GC delivery model consistent with California High-Speed Rail Authority program conventions. The Chief Estimator’s work products support the Authority’s cost baseline reporting under its Earned Value Management System (EVMS), FRA and FTA capital cost reporting obligations, and Board-level program budget updates, and must be reconcilable to the program Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and control account structure.

Supervision Received & Exercised
The Chief Estimator reports to the Deputy Director, PMO Project Execution Branch and works with substantial independence in selecting estimate methodology, allocating cost risk, and establishing the technical basis of estimates, escalating significant or unresolved cost positions to the Deputy Director, PMO Project Execution Branch. The position supervises estimators, cost engineers, and quantity take-off staff assigned to the TSCC contract, and provides technical direction to contractor and subconsultant estimating staff on submittals requiring Authority review.
Key interfaces include Program Controls (cost, schedule, and risk), Design and Engineering, Construction Management, Contracts and Procurement, Claims and Change Management, the PMOC, and FRA and FTA on request.

Key Responsibilities
Estimate Development & Validation
  • Develop and maintain construction cost estimates at each AACE estimate class (Class 5 through Class 1) for the TSCC scope, applying consistent methodology, escalation, and contingency treatment across estimate revisions.
  • Prepare and reconcile quantity take-offs, unit price build-ups, and productivity-based estimates for trackwork, systems, and civil elements; validate contractor-submitted estimates and pay applications against independent Authority estimates.
  • Establish and document estimate basis, assumptions, and exclusions in a basis-of-estimate (BOE) format sufficient to withstand third-party and federal audit.
  • Maintain unit cost and productivity databases and historical cost data specific to heavy rail, systems, and civil construction for use in future estimates and benchmarking.
Risk, Contingency, and Cost Baseline Management
  • Support risk-based contingency development in coordination with Program Risk Management, including participation in risk workshops and Monte Carlo or range-estimating analyses where used to set contingency drawdown curves.
  • Reconcile estimate outputs to the program WBS, control account structure, and EVMS cost baseline; support Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Estimate to Complete (ETC) development with Project Controls.
  • Flag cost trends, estimate variances, and basis changes to the Deputy Director, PMO Project Execution Branch for inclusion in monthly program cost reporting.
Change Orders & Claims Support
  • Prepare and independently review contractor change order cost proposals, including labor, equipment, material, and markup build-ups, for reasonableness and compliance with contract terms.
  • Develop or validate quantum estimates in support of claims analysis, distinguishing cost impact that is factually supported from cost impact that is estimated or in dispute; coordinate with Contracts and Claims counsel on entitlement questions, which remain a legal rather than an estimating determination.
  • Support negotiation of change order pricing by providing defensible, methodology-documented cost positions to the negotiating team.
Governance, Reporting & Oversight Coordination
  • Prepare estimate summaries and variance narratives for executive and Board-level program updates.
  • Respond to PMOC, FRA, FTA, and state audit inquiries regarding estimate basis, methodology, and cost data; support cost reviews and independent government cost estimates (IGCE) as requested.
  • Maintain estimate documentation and version control in accordance with Authority document control and records retention requirements.
  • Supervise estimators, cost engineers, and quantity take-off staff assigned to the TSCC contract, and provide technical direction to contractor and subconsultant estimating staff on submittals requiring Authority review.
  • Coordinate closely with key program interfaces, including Program Controls (cost, schedule, and risk), Design and Engineering, Construction Management, Contracts and Procurement, Claims and Change Management, the PMOC, and FRA and FTA as requested.
Estimated Percentage of Time for Essential Functions
  • 40%: Estimate development, quantity take-off, unit price build-up, and basis-of-estimate documentation across AACE estimate classes
  • 25%: Change order review, claims quantum estimating, and negotiation support
  • 15%: Risk-based contingency, EVMS baseline reconciliation, and EAC/ETC support
  • 10%: Executive, Board, PMOC, and FRA/FTA reporting, audit response, and cost data governance
  • 10%: Technical direction of estimating staff, cost database maintenance, and other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, engineering technology, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience is considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Ten (10) or more years of progressive cost estimating experience on heavy civil, rail, or transit infrastructure programs, including at least four (4) years in a lead or chief estimator capacity.
  • Demonstrated experience estimating design-build or CM/GC delivered work, including change order and claims quantum estimating.
  • Eligibility to work in the United States and ability to pass a background screening, meet site-access and site-safety requirements, and travel between program office locations and TSCC construction sites as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) credential through AACE International.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license; not required for this position.
  • Direct estimating experience on high-speed or conventional rail programs, including trackwork and rail systems scope.
  • Experience supporting federal cost oversight reviews, independent government cost estimates (IGCE), or state audit inquiries on major capital programs.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Working knowledge of AACE International recommended practices for cost estimate classification, contingency determination, and estimate documentation.
  • Proficiency in quantity take-off and estimating software (for example, HCSS HeavyBid, InEight, or comparable heavy-civil estimating platforms) and cost/schedule integration tools.
  • Working knowledge of EVMS conventions (ANSI/EIA-748 or equivalent) and their interaction with cost estimate baselines and reporting.
  • Familiarity with FRA and FTA major capital project practice, including cost estimate review requirements under the federal grant and oversight process.
  • Ability to read and estimate from civil, trackwork, and systems design drawings and specifications at varying levels of design completion.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills sufficient to present and defend cost positions to executive leadership, oversight bodies, and contractor counterparts.
Working Conditions
  • Primary work is performed in a program office environment, with periodic site visits to construction work fronts for quantity verification, progress assessment, and coordination with field engineering staff.
  • Site visits require compliance with the Authority’s and contractor’s site-safety programs and consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, high-visibility vest, safety footwear, and eye and hearing protection.
  • May require travel between program office locations and TSCC construction sites, and attendance at Board or executive briefings as required.
  • May require occasional extended or non-standard hours to support estimate deadlines, change order negotiation, and program budget reporting cycles.

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