Cost Estimating Lead (Undergrounding & System Hardening Project)

Cost Estimating Lead (Undergrounding & System Hardening Project) Pay Rate Range: $65–$80/hr Start Date: ASAP Type: Temp-to-Hire (conversion after 520 hours worked) Location: Remote, with ~1 visit/month to Fresno or Stockton client office Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm Citizenship: US Citizen or Permanent Resident Interviews: Phone/TEAMS required Position Summary We are seeking a Cost Estimating Lead to join the landmark Undergrounding and System Hardening Project, the largest initiative of its kind in the United States. This role is central to ensuring financial accountability and strategic investment in the program. The successful candidate will build and manage cost models, oversee cost controls, and provide insights that shape long-term project success. Key Responsibilities Collect and analyze vendor, contractor, and supplier cost proposals to maintain a robust cost database. Develop multiple classes of cost estimates including business cases, investment decisions, change orders, scenario analysis, and project planning. Partner with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure accuracy, transparency, and alignment of cost data. Monitor budgets versus actuals, identify variances, and recommend corrective measures. Review and validate change orders through independent cost assessments. Prepare and present cost reports, forecasts, and financial insights to leadership. Lead value engineering sessions to balance scope, quality, and budget targets. Drive continuous improvement of estimating methods, tools, and processes. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, Quantity Surveying, or related discipline. Minimum 5 years of experience in cost estimation, cost engineering, or project controls within construction, utilities, or engineering industries. Proficiency with cost estimating software (e.g., CostX, RSMeans, Sage Estimating) and project management tools (Primavera P6, MS Project, etc.). Strong expertise in Excel (pivot tables, lookups, financial modeling, and data analysis). Solid background in budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Preferred Certifications Certified Cost Professional (CCP – AACE) Project Management Professional (PMP – PMI) Other cost engineering or project controls certifications