What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Estimator position at AE Works?
Be part of a team shaping the future of building design and engineering. AE Works is an award-winning firm recognized among the top U.S. A/E firms by Architectural Record and ENR Mid-Atlantic, celebrated for our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and social impact as a certified B Corp.
Our mission is simple but powerful: to make building projects a better value. At AE Works, we turn complex challenges into impactful, lasting solutions that unlock the full potential of the built environment, enabling our clients to achieve their important missions and create meaningful change.
Why AE Works?
Our people are our difference. We believe in fostering a collaborative environment where every voice matters and the best ideas win. As part of our team, you’ll work alongside architects, engineers, cost estimators, and construction managers with expertise spanning healthcare, higher education, and government markets. We’re shaping the future with the latest technology and a passion for design excellence.
Position Overview
AE Works is seeking a talented Cost Estimator to join our team. As a Cost Estimator at AE Works, you will be responsible for successfully executing cost estimates, as well as estimating to set budgets for our clients. Our estimators also provide our design teams with data to inform design decisions in order to work within allotted budgets for facility renovation projects.
This position will be based out of our Pittsburgh office and comes with a competitive salary based on relevant experience as well as generous perks and benefits including medical, vision, dental, and disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, a 401k, dress-for-your-day dress code, virtual working capability, and a work-from-home equipment allowance.
Location: Sewickley, PA
Responsibilities
Project Planning & Execution: Considers labor, materials, and time required. Develops or reviews early project budgets to determine directional accuracy of early owner budgets and clarify anticipated scopes of work.
Leadership & Team Development: Owns and executes estimates through various phases of design on multiple projects concurrently.
Client Collaboration: Creates and communicates preconstruction project schedules in support of estimates and deliverables to clients and teams.
Technical Documentation: Integrates with project design teams and owners to manage the value of the design and project from concept through construction documents.
Quality Assurance: Analyze completed projects to compare estimated costs to actual costs to understand the reasons for discrepancies.
Continuous Improvement: Manages AE Works’ cost database and maintains knowledge on construction industry trends and pricing to implement data in estimates and advise teams and clients. Identify and anticipate potential cost overruns and suggest risk mitigation strategies.
Team Collaboration: Integrates with project design teams and owners to manage the value of the design and project from concept through construction documents.
Opportunity Development & Client Engagement: Develops or assists in developing bids for projects, including soliciting, leveling, and reviewing bids with recommendations based on the review.
Qualifications
Experience: 8 years of progressive experience working on commercial building design and/or construction projects as a project estimator or similar. Work experience leading and significantly contributing to estimates for commercial building projects in areas of federal, healthcare, senior care, higher education, commercial, public safety, and/or local governmental projects across all project disciplines and construction trades.
Ability to understand design documents and conceptualize design when necessary to apply construction pricing to those design documents for Site/Civil, Landscaping, Architectural Façade, Structure, Architectural Interiors, Plumbing/Fire Protection, Mechanical, and Electrical/Systems. Ability to create and update basic construction project Gantt schedules to be utilized in preconstruction.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field.
Licensure/Certification: Professional certification in cost estimating, such as AACE International Certified Cost Professional desirable.
Technical Skills: Strong technical knowledge of current construction pricing data in both total project $/SF for different project types and unit pricing for detailed estimates. Skilled in Microsoft Excel, Estimating/Quantity Take-off Software, Scheduling Software, and familiarity with RS Means cost database (or similar cost database). Ultimately utilize industry-specific software and technologies for accurate estimation and reporting. Skilled with using cloud based and mobile technology for collaboration.
Attributes: Strong communicator with the ability to build relationships with clients and peers. Articulate in both written and verbal communication skills.
Why Join Us?
At AE Works, you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll find a place to grow, innovate, and contribute to a culture of excellence. With generous benefits, a flexible work environment, and opportunities for ongoing learning and advancement, we support our people in building fulfilling careers.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. EEO is the law AE Works uses E-Verify. You have the Right to Work.
