Senior Cost Estimator

Senior Cost Estimator (SCE)
Remote | Hybrid option: Melbourne, FL, Baltimore, MD, or Pittsburgh, PA
Salary Range: $125,000-$150,000
The Role
Above Group is looking for a Senior Cost Estimator to own cost estimating on our design projects, from conceptual budgeting through construction documents. You will serve as lead estimator on assigned projects and be the person engineers, project managers, and clients turn to when a design decision has a dollar figure attached. Our portfolio leans heavily toward government and healthcare work, where estimates must be accurate, defensible, and tied tightly to scope.
This is a senior role with real latitude. You will build and maintain the department’s master unit-cost database and historical cost library, set the standards and templates the team estimates by, and directly influence which projects we pursue and how we price them.
What You’ll Do
Develop and manage cost estimates for multi-disciplinary projects at every design phase, conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents, and own their accuracy and consistency; serving as lead estimator on assigned projects
Perform quantity takeoffs directly from Revit and AutoCAD models alongside our BIM and design teams
Resolve gaps between design intent, scope, and budget through value engineering and cost-benefit analysis
Prepare conceptual budgets, fee proposals, and comparative cost models supporting business development for prospective clients and projects
Write basis-of-estimate (BOE) narratives, cost reports, scope clarifications, and qualifications/exclusions; respond to RFIs
Build and maintain the department’s unit-cost database, historical cost library, and estimating standards
Keep estimates current with code requirements, jurisdictional fees, local bidding conditions, labor rates, and material pricing
Review design concepts with engineering leads and project managers to align design intent with project budgets
What you Bring to the Role
6–10 years in cost estimating, general contracting, or related construction work (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent field/trade experience considered
General contracting background strongly preferred, with hands-on field and/or estimating experience
Estimating experience in the government and healthcare markets strongly preferred
Experience benchmarking labor and material costs against historical data, vendor quotes, and subcontractor pricing
Working knowledge of estimating platforms (RSMeans, Sage Estimating/Accubid, ConEst, WinEst, Trade Service) and takeoff tools (Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar)
Enough Revit and AutoCAD to extract quantities and review MEP design documents
Proficient knowledge of computers and Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word); Advanced Excel: pivot tables, formulas, macros
Familiarity with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, telecommunications, and fire protection systems as they relate to cost, constructability, and market pricing
Strong understanding of general contracting practices, bid processes, subcontractor scope leveling, and contractor cost coding (CSI MasterFormat)
Strong written and verbal communication; you can hold your own with clients, contractors, and senior leadership
Ability to work independently/self-motivated, as well as in a collaborative team setting, highly organized, and detail oriented
Impactful analytical, strategic planning, with the ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously
Discretion and dependability with sensitive cost and client information
U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency
Willingness to travel up to 20% for site visits and client meetings
Nice to have: ASPE Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), or similar certification.
Why Above Group
We are a faith-based AEC firm built around a simple idea: continuously improving the built environment for the glory of God. Our mission is to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ by empowering excellent AEC professionals to provide superior service. Four values guide how we work: Christian Values, Uncompromising Quality, Buffalo (running toward challenges rather than away from them), and Extreme Team. If that resonates with you, you will fit here.
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, employer-funded HSA contributions, and an annual profit-sharing bonus tied to the company’s collective results.
Remote Work Requirements
This role is fully remote or a hybrid option for candidates residing near Melbourne, FL or Ellicott City, MD. Any type of remote work requires reliable high-speed internet capable of supporting video conferencing, VPN, and cloud applications; a secure home network appropriate for confidential company and client information; and a dedicated, quiet workspace suitable for sustained focus and professional video meetings.

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No