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Chief Estimator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Company

Be Seen First

Electrical Estimator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Prior to the issuing of the formal bid package, provide the Chief Estimator with a detailed review of scope, technical requirements, and pricing for the estimated bid package. * After the successful ...

Baker Construction Enterprises

Estimator

Ashburn, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Contacts Chief Estimator/Estimating Manager when award is made * Sets-up transition meeting for Project Manager * Copies pricing, quotes, pertinent proposal information for Project Manager * Prepares ...

Baker Construction Enterprises

Estimator

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Contacts Chief Estimator/Estimating Manager when award is made * Sets-up transition meeting for Project Manager * Copies pricing, quotes, pertinent proposal information for Project Manager * Prepares ...

Baker Concrete Construction, Inc

Estimator

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Contacts Chief Estimator/Estimating Manager when award is made * Sets-up transition meeting for Project Manager * Copies pricing, quotes, pertinent proposal information for Project Manager * Prepares ...

Baker Concrete Construction, Inc

Estimator

Ashburn, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Contacts Chief Estimator/Estimating Manager when award is made * Sets-up transition meeting for Project Manager * Copies pricing, quotes, pertinent proposal information for Project Manager * Prepares ...

Suffolk Construction

Estimator, Data Centers

Herndon, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Suffolk is privately held and is led by founder, chairman and CEO John Fish. Suffolk is ranked #8 ... The Role The Estimator is responsible for the coordination of all project budgeting, including ...

Suffolk Construction

Estimator, Data Centers

Herndon, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Suffolk is privately held and is led by founder, chairman and CEO John Fish. Suffolk is ranked #8 ... The Role The Estimator is responsible for the coordination of all project budgeting, including ...

Suffolk Construction

Estimator, Data Centers

Herndon, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Suffolk is privately held and is led by founder, chairman and CEO John Fish. Suffolk is ranked #8 ... The Role The Estimator is responsible for the coordination of all project budgeting, including ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsChief Estimator JobsChief Estimator Jobs in Reston, VA

Chief Estimator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$49.4K

$154.4K

$212.8K

How much do chief estimator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief estimator in Reston, VA is $154,364.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,200.00 and $177,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief estimator?

A chief estimator is primarily responsible for making financial budgets and estimates to bid on a construction or design project. People in this job take into account many factors when making an estimate. These factors include the cost of building materials, cost of labor, cost of transportation, fees, tariffs, and profit margin. The chief estimator may also use software analysis, or analysis of previous estimates to help them make predictions.

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

To thrive as a Chief Estimator, you need strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of construction processes, and extensive experience in cost estimating, typically backed by a degree in construction management or a related field. Proficiency with estimating software like Bluebeam, ProEst, or Sage Estimating and familiarity with project management tools are crucial. Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help coordinate teams and effectively present cost proposals. These abilities are vital for producing accurate bids, securing profitable projects, and maintaining an organization's competitive edge.

How does a chief estimator typically collaborate with project managers and other departments during the bidding process?

A Chief Estimator plays a central role in collaborating with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams throughout the bidding process. They organize and lead meetings to review project requirements, clarify scope, and ensure that all cost components are accurately included. By working closely with other departments, they help identify risks, value engineering opportunities, and resource needs, ensuring that bids are both competitive and realistic. This cross-functional collaboration is essential for producing thorough, accurate proposals and maintaining strong client relationships.

What is the difference between Chief Estimator vs Estimating Engineer?

AspectChief EstimatorEstimating Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in construction management or civil engineering, with extensive estimating experienceOften holds a degree in engineering or construction, with specialized estimating training
Work EnvironmentLeads the estimating team, oversees large projects, and collaborates with senior managementFocuses on preparing detailed cost estimates, working under the supervision of senior estimators or project managers
Industry UsageCommonly used in construction firms for large-scale projectsUsed across construction and engineering firms for detailed project cost analysis

The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating department and making high-level cost decisions, while the Estimating Engineer focuses on preparing detailed estimates and supporting project bids. Both roles require strong technical skills and industry knowledge, but differ in scope and leadership responsibilities.

Is a chief estimator a stressful job?

A chief estimator role can be stressful due to the responsibility of accurately forecasting project costs and ensuring profitability. The job often involves tight deadlines, complex calculations, and coordination with multiple teams, which can contribute to high-pressure situations. Strong organizational skills and experience with estimating software help manage these challenges effectively.

What does a chief estimator do?

A chief estimator is responsible for preparing and managing cost estimates for construction projects, ensuring accuracy and competitiveness. They analyze project plans, collaborate with clients and contractors, and use estimating software to develop budgets and bid proposals, often overseeing a team of estimators. Strong analytical skills, industry knowledge, and attention to detail are essential for this role.
More about Chief Estimator jobs

What are popular job titles related to Chief Estimator jobs in Reston, VA?

For Chief Estimator jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Chief Estimator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Estimator job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,364 per year, or $74.2 per hour.

Senior Estimator, Federal Group

Consigli Construction

Washington, DC • On-site

$137K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Employment Type:   Full-Time 

FSLA: Salary/Exempt 

Division: Estimating 

Department:  Estimating 

Reports to: Chief Estimator 

Supervisory Duties: Yes 

Salary Range: $137,000 - $195,000

Lead all estimating efforts on the most complex and large-scale projects, including conceptual estimates, negotiated bids, budgets, general conditions, systems studies and comparisons, value engineering, subcontractor relations and staying abreast of industry developments applicable to estimating. 

Responsibilities / Essential Functions 

  • Ensure that the estimating process runs smoothly and efficiently, and client expectations are exceeded throughout the duration of the project(s). 
  • Build relationships to understand client, designer and subcontractor needs and expectations. 
  • Analyze drawings, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimate for projects. 
  • Effectively facilitates collaboration amongst team members. 
  • Effectively communicate with all stakeholders. 
  • Participate in business development activities, presentations and interviews. 
  • Prepare quantity take-offs and apply unit pricing for material and labor to establish a value for the work. 
  • Understand the full scope of the project through document review and asking questions of the design team and owner. 
  • Prepare value engineering and risk analysis. 
  • Prepare qualifications and assumptions for the estimate. 
  • Prepare cost comparisons/reconcile with previous estimates. 
  • Manage Subcontractor solicitation & selection process. 
  • Prepare Exhibit B, and/or scope sheets. 
  • Ensure quality control of bids and estimates. 
  • Prepare an in-house budget and GMP. 
Key Skills 
  • Strongverbal and written communication skills. 
  • Extreme attention to detail required.  
  • Strong initiative and problem-solving abilities. 
  • Ability to multi-task and self-prioritize. 
  • Motivated and driven.  
  • Ability to work in a team environment with a primary focus on collaboration.
Required Experience
  • BS or MS in Engineering or Construction Management with a minimum of 5 years of experience in estimating field. 
  • 10+ years of experience in construction. 
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft office, especially Excel.  
  • Proficiency in specialized estimating software. 
  • Understanding of the influence of market conditions on pricing.
  • Federal bidding/estimating experience strongly desired, but not required.

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