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Engineering Cost Estimator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

E Logic

Cost Estimator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Education in construction management, architecture, engineering, cost estimating, quantity surveying, business, or economics -- desirable; 3-5 years design/construction experience desired. Security ...

City of New York

Cost Estimator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate should have a background in Cost Estimating, Engineering, Engineering Science, or related field, and possess a thorough understanding and strong knowledge base of New York City ...

New

City of New York

Cost Estimator

Manhattan, NY

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate should have a background in Cost Estimating, Engineering, Engineering Science, or related field, and possess a thorough understanding and strong knowledge base of New York City ...

New

City of New York

Cost Estimator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate should have a background in Cost Estimating, Engineering, Engineering Science, or related field, and possess a thorough understanding and strong knowledge base of New York City ...

New

City of New York

Cost Estimator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate should have a background in Cost Estimating, Engineering, Engineering Science, or related field, and possess a thorough understanding and strong knowledge base of New York City ...

Janicki Industries

Cost Estimator

Hamilton, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We focus on engineering and manufacturing complex projects for companies in the aerospace, defense, and space industries. We are looking for a Cost Estimator to join our growing team. This position ...

Janicki Industries, Inc.

Cost Estimator

Hamilton, WA

We focus on engineering and manufacturing complex projects for companies in the aerospace, defense, and space industries. We are looking for a Cost Estimator to join our growing team. This position ...

AE Works

Cost Estimator

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll work alongside architects, engineers, cost estimators, and construction managers with deep experience across higher education, government, engineering & infrastructure, healthcare and ...

Pyrovio

Cost Estimator

Newark, NJ · On-site +1

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 ...

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Engineering Cost Estimator information

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$36.5K

$88.5K

$140.5K

How much do engineering cost estimator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering cost estimator in the United States is $88,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an engineering cost estimator do?

An Engineering Cost Estimator analyzes the costs associated with engineering projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and overhead. They review project plans, specifications, and other documentation to prepare accurate cost estimates for manufacturing, construction, or product development. Their work helps companies budget effectively, make informed decisions, and submit competitive bids for contracts. Engineering Cost Estimators collaborate with engineers, architects, and project managers to ensure all project aspects are considered in the estimation process.

What are some common challenges engineering cost estimators face when working on complex projects?

Engineering Cost Estimators often encounter challenges such as managing incomplete project data, adapting to frequent design changes, and coordinating input from multiple departments. Accurately predicting costs requires close collaboration with engineers, procurement teams, and project managers to ensure all variables are considered. Staying up-to-date with market trends and material prices is also essential, as fluctuations can significantly impact overall estimates. Effectively communicating cost implications and managing expectations across stakeholders is a key part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineering cost estimator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineering Cost Estimator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in engineering or construction management, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with cost estimation software (such as CostOS, RSMeans, or SAP), spreadsheets, and project management tools is typically required. Effective communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and present accurate estimates. These abilities ensure precise project budgeting, risk mitigation, and informed decision-making, which are crucial for successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Engineering Cost Estimator vs Construction Estimator?

AspectEngineering Cost EstimatorConstruction Estimator
CredentialsTypically requires engineering or technical degrees, certifications like AACE or RICSOften requires construction management or related certifications, experience in construction projects
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, project sitesConstruction sites, contractor offices, project sites
Industry UsageUsed in engineering, infrastructure, manufacturing projectsPrimarily in residential, commercial, and industrial construction
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding technical cost estimation in engineering projectsEstimating costs for building and construction projects

The main difference between an Engineering Cost Estimator and a Construction Estimator lies in their focus and industry application. Engineering Cost Estimators specialize in technical and engineering-related projects, often requiring engineering degrees and certifications, while Construction Estimators focus on building projects, requiring construction experience. Both roles involve cost analysis but serve different sectors within the construction and engineering industries.

More about Engineering Cost Estimator jobs

What cities are hiring for Engineering Cost Estimator jobs?

Cities with the most Engineering Cost Estimator job openings:

What states have the most Engineering Cost Estimator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Engineering Cost Estimator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Engineering Cost Estimator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Engineering Cost Estimator jobs are:

Engineering Cost Estimator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering Cost Estimator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,513 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Engineering Cost Estimator

UACJ Automotive Whitehall

Ludington, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Purpose: Develop accurate, timely, and technically sound cost estimates and quotations for new business opportunities provided by the sales team, using customer requirements, product documentation, tooling needs, capital requirements, process design, and manufacturing assumptions.
Qualifications:
  • Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; 8-10 years of automotive industry experience, including 3-5 years directly supporting process design and development, preferably for manufactured products.
  • Knowledge: Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing products and processes (i.e. stamping, machining, bending, forming, welding, assembly).
  • Skills & Abilities: Strong interpersonal and communication skills; solid understanding of tooling design and construction; working knowledge of automotive documentation (e.g., GD&T, APQP, PFMEA, DFA/DFM). Proficient with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD/DraftSight, CATIA, NX). Solid understanding of cycle time analysis and process development. Proficient in MS Office, Outlook, and Project.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Review customer documentation to support development of accurate and complete quotations.
2. Using CAD software to review and analyze product design.
3. Develop fabrication & assembly processes (including cycle-time calculations), tooling cost estimates and capital investment requirements to meet customer demand.
4. Work with all disciplines (Sales - Cost Coordinator, Purchasing - Buyers, Quality, Extrusion, Plant Mfg.) within the organization to fully understand quoting requirements and support a thorough, accurate quotation.
5. Conduct quote reviews with the management team, explaining the process, any assumptions, tooling requirements, capital needs, and technical concerns.
6. Collaborate with customer engineering teams to fully understand the product and be able to develop a quote that meets their needs.
7. Conduct internal and external technical meetings to confirm quote assumptions, resolve open technical questions, and ensure the quotation meets stakeholder needs.
8. Prepare a DFM (Design for Manufacturing) template to support customer technical reviews by clearly explaining the quoted process, materials, and assumptions.
9. Other duties as defined by supervisor in support of engineering.
Key Performance Metrics:
1. Quote turnaround time meets both internal and external customer requirements.
2. Quote accuracy meets internal KPI targets, including ROI, NPV, and IRR assumptions.
3. Internal and external communication is timely, thorough, and effective enough to meet quotation timing requirements and ensure process assumptions are understood.
4. Proposed processes are well designed, technically feasible, and aligned with internal requirements and external customer needs.
Level of Authority: Limited authority to develop and recommend quote assumptions, tooling concepts, process estimates, capital requirements, and technical inputs for management review and approval.
Training Requirements: New employee orientation; safety training; Plex ERP; Power BI.
Physical Demands: The role may require occasional time on the manufacturing floor and must follow all company safety requirements, including use of required personal protective equipment when entering production areas. Work is primarily performed in an office and manufacturing environment, with infrequent travel to customer, supplier, or company locations as needed to support quoting, technical reviews, and project handoffs.
  • Requires sitting for extended periods, with opportunities to stand or move at least every two hours.
  • Occasional travel required

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