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Cost Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

M.C. Dean, Inc

Cost Engineer Staff

Tysons, VA · On-site

$90K - $113K/yr

... engineering, and cybersecurity industries. The Level 2 Estimator assists more experienced estimators in preparing cost estimates for bids and proposals for electrical and other low voltage ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Cost Engineer, Principle

Tysons, VA · On-site

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ... Develop budgets and cost codes for projects; assist in the preparation of technical proposals, to ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Cost Engineer Associate

Tysons, VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

... engineering, and cybersecurity industries. The Level 1 Estimator assists more experienced estimators in preparing cost estimates for bids and proposals for electrical and other low voltage ...

BCforward

Customer Engineer 6 -High Cost

Washington, DC · On-site

$15.71/hr

Position - Customer Engineer 6 -High Cost Minimum Pay Rate: $15.71 Duration: 12 Months Pickup location: Position Description: Manager Notes: ALL GENERAL AND TECHNICAL QUESTIONS MUST BE ON ALL RESUMES ...

Novaces LLC

Project Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Certified Cost Consultant, Certified Cost Engineer, Certified Cost Technician , Certified Estimating Professional , or a scheduling professional. * Recent Primavera experience is strongly desired

NOVACES

Project Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Certified Cost Consultant, Certified Cost Engineer, Certified Cost Technician , Certified Estimating Professional , or a scheduling professional. * Recent Primavera experience is strongly desired

Barrow Wise Consulting

Cost Subject Matter Expert

MD · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

The Cost Subject Matter Expert will support Barrow Wise's State of Maryland project and perform the following duties: * Develop a cost report that details the planning process for transmission in PJM ...

ACT1 Federal

Journeyman Cost Estimator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115K - $141K/yr

Our core capabilities include weapon systems engineering, logistics, space domain expertise, global ... Cost Estimating - Demonstrated understanding of the connections of cost drivers and estimating the ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCost Engineer JobsCost Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Cost Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$47.3K

$101K

$145.1K

How much do cost engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost engineer in Reston, VA is $100,964.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $118,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cost Engineer vs Cost Estimator?

AspectCost EngineerCost Estimator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, construction management, or related field; certifications like AACE International's CCP or CEOften holds a degree in construction management, engineering, or related; may also have certifications like AACE CCP
Work EnvironmentWorks on project cost control, budgeting, and financial analysis during project executionFocuses on preparing cost estimates for project bids and proposals
Industry UsageUsed throughout project lifecycle, especially in engineering and construction projectsPrimarily involved during project planning and bidding phases

While both roles involve cost analysis, a Cost Engineer manages ongoing project costs and controls, whereas a Cost Estimator focuses on initial cost projections for bids. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right career path or job role in the construction and engineering industries.

What degree do you need to be a cost engineer?

A cost engineer typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, finance, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of project management, cost estimation, and industry-specific software tools. Some positions may prefer or require professional certifications such as the Certified Cost Professional (CCP).

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cost engineer, and why are they important?

A Cost Engineer requires a solid background in engineering, mathematics, or finance, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with budgeting and cost estimation. Familiarity with cost management software (like Primavera or SAP), project management systems, and industry certifications such as AACE or PMP are typically important. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help Cost Engineers collaborate with project teams and stakeholders. These competencies are crucial to ensure project costs are accurately estimated, controlled, and aligned with business objectives.

How does a cost engineer typically collaborate with project managers and other departments during a project's lifecycle?

Cost Engineers work closely with project managers, procurement teams, and engineering staff to ensure project costs remain within budget and financial risks are minimized. They participate in regular project meetings, provide cost forecasts, and analyze potential cost overruns. Their role often involves reviewing vendor quotes, coordinating with schedulers to align budgets and timelines, and preparing detailed cost reports for stakeholders. This cross-functional collaboration is essential to proactively identify issues and support informed decision-making throughout the project.

What does a cost engineer do?

As a cost engineer, you estimate the various costs associated with a project. You can perform your duties in a variety of settings and industries. Many cost engineers work in construction, manufacturing, or other industrial enterprises. In these positions, your responsibilities focus on using technical knowledge to forecast expenses for all phases of the project accurately. You help create a budget that includes time, materials, labor costs, and other factors. These other factors may include things like travel, taxes, and security needs. Cost engineers use specialized software to organize their cost figures and compile information for creating a budget.

What is a cost engineer?

Cost Engineers are professionals who specialize in estimating, managing, and controlling the costs associated with engineering projects. They analyze project plans, materials, labor, and time requirements to develop accurate cost projections and budgets. Cost Engineers play a crucial role in helping organizations optimize resources, minimize expenses, and ensure projects are completed within financial constraints. Their expertise is essential in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy.
More about Cost Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Cost Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Cost Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cost Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Cost Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
Cost Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cost Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,964 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Cost Engineer Staff

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$90K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 446 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
The Level 2 Estimator assists more experienced estimators in preparing cost estimates for bids and proposals for electrical and other low voltage applications such as fire alarm systems, security systems, communication systems, paging systems, audio-visual systems and nurse-call systems.
Responsibilities
  • Gathering data and assisting in preparing bid proposal estimates and design/build proposals.
  • Performing take-offs from drawings; pricing change orders and conducting site visits to understand the constructability of projects.
  • Understanding plans and specifications to identify the types and grades of materials and equipment needed and to ensure compliance with project requirements.
  • Understanding and applying cost fundamentals; maintaining current, accurate information on prices from supplies and contractors.
  • Preparing bid packages and obtaining pricing from subcontractors and vendor
  • Familiarity with electrical equipment, materials and specifications
  • Experience reading and interpreting blueprints
  • Experience with contract documents such as contract drawings, subcontracts, contract addendum
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of electrical plans, blueprints and drawings.
  • Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize and accomplish work
  • Generating high quality work Working well with others in order to reach a common goal.
  • Must successfully pass a background check.
  • Working knowledge of Accubid a plus.
  • Working knowledge of BIM a plus.

Qualifications
  • 2+ years experience with a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, preferably Electrical Engineering
  • 6+ years of experience with an Associate's Degree
  • 8+ years experience with a high school diploma or GED

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Pay Range
USD $90,640.00 - USD $113,300.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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