Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Construction Cost Estimator for a direct hire opportunity supporting commercial, civil, infrastructure, and capital construction projects throughout the Seattle area. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented estimating professional who enjoys reviewing complex construction documentation, validating contractor pricing, preparing change order estimates, and supporting project teams with accurate cost analysis.
The Cost Estimator will work closely with construction managers, contractors, engineers, architects, owners, and project stakeholders to evaluate scope changes, assess field conditions, and provide clear cost recommendations. This is a strong opportunity to join a professional construction environment where technical expertise, collaboration, accuracy, and sound judgment are highly valued.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful industrial facilities and infrastructure projects while working with experienced leadership and project teams focused on quality, accountability, and long-term project success.
Key Responsibilities
- Review contractor-prepared takeoffs, estimates, and pricing proposals for accuracy, completeness, technical validity, and cost reasonableness.
- Prepare detailed construction cost estimates for contract changes, project modifications, labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, productivity factors, and unit pricing.
- Analyze construction drawings, specifications, contracts, field reports, and project documentation to identify scope requirements and evaluate cost impacts.
- Conduct quantity takeoffs, unit cost analysis, rate development, and task-level estimate summaries using estimating software and historical cost data.
- Support construction managers and project teams during change order reviews, negotiations, cost discussions, and stakeholder meetings.
- Maintain and analyze historical cost databases, construction methods, market pricing, and estimating standards to support future project estimates.
Compensation and Benefits
- Direct hire opportunity.
- Salary range: $100,000 to $150,000 per year.
- Location: Renton, WA.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans
The Know Your Rights poster is available here:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf
The pay transparency policy is available here:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf
For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AppleOne is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.
AppleOne participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf
We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Prepare and validate detailed cost estimates for construction contracts, change orders, and project modifications.
- Review contractor pricing proposals, quantity takeoffs, cost breakdowns, and supporting documentation.
- Support construction management teams with cost analysis, negotiation support, and technical estimating guidance.
- Conduct site visits and review field conditions to assess cost impacts of proposed scope changes.
- 5+ years of construction estimating experience on commercial, civil, infrastructure, public works, or capital improvement projects.
- Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, materials, equipment, labor productivity factors, and unit cost development.
- Experience reviewing construction contracts, specifications, drawings, change orders, contract modifications, and claims.
- Proficiency with estimating tools such as RSMeans, Sage Estimating, CostX, Bluebeam, HeavyBid, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar platforms.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with experience preparing detailed cost analyses, estimate reports, and cost models.
- Ability to research labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and market cost data to support accurate estimates.
- Excellent analytical, mathematical, problem-solving, verbal communication, and technical writing skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with construction managers, contractors, owners, architects, engineers, and other project stakeholders.
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting public-sector, port, aviation, transportation, utility, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Familiarity with Washington State construction practices and public procurement requirements.
- Professional certification such as Certified Professional Estimator, Certified Cost Professional, or an equivalent credential.
- Experience with CPM scheduling concepts, project controls, risk assessment, cost modeling, and forecasting.