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CDM Smith
Flex Staff Cost Estimator
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What they do
An Estimator provides cost estimates for a project, based on an evaluation of the materials, labor, time and equipment needed to complete the project. May specialize in many aspects of construction or in manufacturing and design industries.
$81,344 / year median in Delaware
+7% projected growth
Job Description
at CDM Smith in Middletown, Delaware, United States Job Description Company Overview Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (https://www.cdmsmith.com/resources/videos/meet-cdm-smith) Join Us! CDM Smith
- where amazing career journeys unfold.
Job Description Job Duties:
- Prepare detailed, discipline-specific, and total project cost estimates using industry-standard cost estimating tools such as MII ( MCACES II), PACES , RSMeans, and Success Estimator in accordance with Federal standards.
- Analyze contractor cost proposals, bids, and change orders for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with
FAR , DFARS
, Davis-Bacon, and Federal agency-specific regulations.- Interpret and quantify drawings, specifications, and statements of work to develop cost estimates and supporting documentation at various design and project stages (conceptual through final design).
- Incorporate and reference Unified Facilities Criteria ( UFC ), Service Instructions, and other applicable codes, standards, and design guides to ensure cost estimates reflect compliant and constructible solutions.
- Develop and maintain cost models, pricing databases, and historical cost data to support continuous improvement of estimating accuracy.
- Collaborate with Project Managers, Construction Oversight Specialists ( COS ), Engineers, and Contracting Officers to ensure consistency and alignment between cost estimates, project scopes, and technical requirements.
- Support value engineering efforts by identifying cost-saving opportunities, evaluating alternative materials or methods, and providing recommendations that balance cost, schedule, and performance.
- Prepare detailed cost analyses, estimate narratives, and justification documentation for government review and audit purposes.
- Evaluate risk and contingency requirements based on project complexity, market conditions, and uncertainty levels.
- Provide input for budget development, life-cycle cost analyses, and independent government estimates (IGEs).
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, design reviews, and post-award evaluations to support continuous improvement and lessons learned.
- Ensure compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations ( FAR ), Cost Accounting Standards ( CAS ), and agency-specific estimating procedures.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support successful project delivery and Federal client satisfaction. \#LI-LP2 Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree.
- 5 years of relevant experience.
- Experience with large Federal construction quality programs.
- Certified Cost Engineer ( CCE ), Certified Cost Consultant ( CCC ), Certified Cost Professional ( CCP ), or equivalent accreditation. Skills & Abilities
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Able to pass a federal background check.
- Ability to work in the field which can include long periods of standing, walking or sitting.
- Proficiency in MII ( MCACES II) and RSMeans estimating tools required; experience with Success Estimator or similar cost systems preferred.
- Thorough understanding of Federal estimating processes, UFC standards, Service Instructions, and value engineering principles.
- Knowledge of applicable regulations and compliance standards.
- Strong reporting, writing, and communication skills.
- Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent?attention to detail.?
- Familiar and comfortable to work on computers/tablets/phones.?
- Strong writing?and oral communication skills.?
- Good interpersonal skills to cultivate relationships with colleagues, customers, and partners.