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Cost Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

DNI (Delaware Nation Industries)

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Cost Estimator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150K - $160K/yr

Prepares professional products and provides professional services on all cost engineering and cost analysis/management/control matters and consistently applies disciplined cost management controls ...

Pyrovio

Cost Estimator (Remote)

Washington, DC · Remote

Utilize existing estimating templates to generate assembly-level cost estimates for projects based on detailed scope of work and 30-50% engineering design. * Facilitate the identification of changes ...

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 ...

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 ...

ProSidian Consulting

Cost Estimator

Washington, DC · Remote

Coordinates with engineering, finance, legal, construction, operations, environmental, HSE, and ... For Cost Estimator | Operations / Construction & Lifecycle Monitoring Support [DOE0057057 ...

Micron

Equipment Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

Work with the diffusion cost engineer to reduce cost for responsible tool set(s). Review and audit the overall COO. Ensure the communication of all process and equipment related changes affecting ...

PL ASSOCIATES INC. (PLA)

Cost Estimator

Washington, DC

$45 - $65/hr

... engineering plans, specifications, and contractual documents Ability to perform complex ... in cost estimating for water/sewer facilities or industrial plant designs Be involved in projects ...

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Cost Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$47.3K

$101K

$145.1K

How much do cost engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 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.

How much does a cost engineer make in the US?

The average salary for a cost engineer in the US is approximately $70,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized cost engineers can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually. Certifications like AACE International's Certified Cost Professional (CCP) can also influence earning potential.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and bonuses. High-level roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

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 is the job of a cost engineer?

A cost engineer is responsible for estimating, analyzing, and controlling project costs to ensure budgets are maintained. They use tools like cost management software and work closely with project teams to monitor expenses and improve financial efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in leadership or managerial roles. High compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, particularly in competitive industries or companies.

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 are Cost Engineers?

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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,964 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Cost Estimator

DNI (Delaware Nation Industries)

Arlington, VA • On-site

$150K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

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Job description

The Program Development, Coordination, and Support Directorate is responsible for the design, coordination, and management of OBO’s construction and renovation programs.

The Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, Directorate of Project Development, Coordination and Support, Office of Cost Management (OBO/PDCS/COST), requires cost estimating services to complete the task requirements stated below.

As a Cost Estimator assigned to an organizational element of the Office of Cost Management (OBO/PDCS/COST), the incumbent performs a wide range of cost estimating and cost management consulting duties associated with overseas construction and maintenance projects for which OBO is responsible. In furtherance of these responsibilities, the incumbent tasks that typically include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following

  • Reviews and supports with the preparation of estimates for construction projects; provides a complete range of cost analysis and cost management services that include, but are not limited to program, cost and price analysis, cost planning, concept cost estimating, budget development, detailed cost estimating through the planning and execution phases of construction projects, preparation of Independent Government Estimates (IGEs), proposal price analysis, and data management to support institutional historical database requirements;
  • Advises and assists with construction market surveys including gathering in-country construction cost data evaluating the impacts of laws, taxes, and all other conditions pertaining to construction cost estimates; and participates in discussions with foreign officials regarding the Department’s related cost issues including such topics as real estate matters, utility requirements, tax regulations, local government- controlled services, and economic issues likely to affect the estimated cost of construction.
  • Analyzes project and program requirements and prepares conceptual and detailed budget estimates that may be developed from partially complete scopes of work, such as space programs, requirements reports, existing conditions assessments, surveys, standard criteria sketches, detailed drawings, project manuals, etc.; updates cost estimates based on provided scope definition; and analyzes project scopes of work and program requirements and prepares or reviews comparative estimates for design and construction alternatives;
  • Analyzes project requirements and preparation of budget estimates and other cost estimates at all phases of project development and execution; ensures that all cost estimates are published using standard formats institutionalized by the Office; prepares Current Working Estimates (CWEs) in accordance with OBO program requirements, policy, and guidance and Office operating policies and procedures; and prepares work products and services in accordance with Office operating policies and procedures;
  • Prepares professional products and provides professional services on all cost engineering and cost analysis/management/control matters and consistently applies disciplined cost management controls, thereby ensuring adherence to project
    budget limitations.
  • Conducts or facilitates the preparation of risk analyses for OBO construction cost estimates, including the development of project risk registers, identification of risk mitigation strategies, and calculation of appropriate contingency estimates; prepares fully developed, active risk registers in support of the Division Chief, Office Director, assigned planning manager, and/or Project Director, depending on the current phase of planning and execution of each assigned project; and negotiates the final consensus of the risk register, including all associated mitigation strategies and cost estimates, with the architectural/engineering (A/E) contracting firm;
  • Coordinates cost estimates developed for program requirements from other OBO organizations and program budget estimates with project stakeholders and ensures that all such estimates developed internally or by stakeholders external to the Office meet minimum quality requirements and relevant published performance targets of the Bureau.
  • Prepare reports, draft, correspondence, and attends project meetings. Coordinates, prepares, presents, and communicates work-related information to the Division Chief and Office Director.
  • Remains abreast of current knowledge of cost engineering, analysis, and management and control theories, principles, and methodologies, and discusses their applicability to Division operations with the Division Chief.
  • Maintains program and reference materials, project files, and relevant background documents and provides input to policies, procedures, and written instructions for the Division Chief, the Office Director, and other senior management officials.
  • Analyzes and advises on contractor proposal prices and comparison with Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs) and Request for Proposal (RFP), Scope of Work (SOW), and prepares proposal price analysis and technical reports to support negotiation of equitable contract award amounts; and
  • Advises on all cost related aspects of contracts between the United States Government (USG) and independent architectural/engineering cost estimator consultants for each project.

Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Demonstrated experience in MS Excel; Word; Outlook, and Cost Estimating software.
  • Understanding of the methods and techniques of engineering cost management and control as they apply and relate to construction practices and procedures, combined with knowledge of various professional engineering disciplines (such as civil, mechanical, and structural), to enable the incumbent to identify, analyze, and resolve unusual and complex engineering/architectural problems related to construction methods, materials, and technologies, contracting techniques, resources, scheduling, and other engineering aspects of the construction industry.
  • Understanding and knowledge of construction contracts and contracting techniques and methods, including both pre-award and post-award contract procedures, and the ability to analyze available methods and techniques as well as construction
    contract procurement alternatives, such as design/build, build-to-lease, etc. - Working knowledge of the delivery of overseas construction projects by demonstrating understanding variables and challenges associated with building construction in different regions of the world.
  • Skill in acquisition strategy, budget monitoring, contract evaluation, cost management, and contract management, and an understanding of accounting techniques, including owner budget development and program cost control, construction contractor price formulation, and contract proposal price breakdowns.
  • Working knowledge of proposal price alternatives, including Guaranteed Maximum Price, Firm Fixed Price, and re-measurement contracts based on Bills of Quantity.
  • Knowledge of cost models, including parametric cost modeling techniques and scalable computerized cost models and their application to conceptual estimating for long-range project planning purposes.
  • Knowledge of and ability to apply a variety of U.S. laws and regulations governing the procurement of design and construction services for overseas projects, including but not limited to the Brooks Act, Balance of Payments Program, Defense Base Act, Foreign Service Building Act, Omnibus Diplomatic Security Act, and Part 25 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
  • Ability to plan, coordinate, and prioritize assignments and workload (CWEs, IGEs, memos, price comparisons, etc.).
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, in order to serve as a representative of the Division/Office/Bureau; to write and defend studies and reports; to advise the supervisor, project managers, and other engineer/architects on construction contract issues; to transfer knowledge on historical and current cost data and underlying trends on both a global cost basis and on a post-specific basis to colleagues and office management; and to answer questions regarding a myriad of issues related to cost management, contracting practices, award procedures, etc.
  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution; and a minimum of Eleven (11) years of demonstrated knowledge and understanding of construction cost estimating.

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.