Project Cost Estimator

Overview

Cordoba Corporation is a leading engineering and design firm based in California. We are seeking a Project Cost Estimator to join our Education & Facilities Sector. The Project Cost Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate preliminary and final independent cost estimates for JOC and formal construction contracts to support M&O’s negotiating position during change order processes. This role assists in price negotiations, conducts claim analyses, and develops detailed construction cost estimates using drawings, specifications, sketches, and standard estimating tools. The estimator also reviews contractor claims and proposals to ensure accuracy, fairness, and alignment with project requirements. This position plays a key role in supporting informed decision‑making and maintaining cost control throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Prepares preliminary and final independent detailed cost estimates JOC/Formal Construction contracts managed by M&O to establish negotiating position as required by change order procedures
• Provides support in price negotiations
• Prepares claim analyses and estimates
• Prepares detailed estimates of construction costs based on drawings, specifications and sketches, square footages, using standard estimating data and tools
• Reviews contractor’s claims and proposals for merit and accountability
• Performs related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in construction cost estimating of all divisions for facilities or school building construction projects
• Knowledge of current local construction labor and material costs
• Extensive experience in developing and estimating the scope of work for change orders
• Ability to compare the independent cost estimate with contractor proposal to quickly identify differences
• Ability to develop scope of work based on RFI/RFC answers and estimates the detailed costs of those scopes of work independent of the contractor proposal
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Salary Range: $80,000 to $115,000 per year

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Work Environment: Onsite

Our Company

Cordoba Corporation, Making a Difference

Cordoba Corporation is a leading civil engineering, construction management, program management, and planning firm. Our expertise spans diverse sectors, including education and facilities, transportation, water, and energy. Collaborating closely with our clients, we have successfully delivered complex and high-impact infrastructure projects across California.

National Recognition - Cordoba’s efforts have garnered national acclaim. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently ranked us as a “top 100 construction management firm” and a “top 50 program management firm.” Additionally, ENR recognized Cordoba as a “top 100 design firm” in California in 2018. Our business model emphasizes efficiency, fostering a dynamic work environment. We approach projects with multifaceted strategies, ensuring successful outcomes.

Statewide Presence - With headquarters in Los Angeles, Cordoba maintains a strong statewide presence. Our offices extend to San Francisco, Sacramento, San Ramon, Chatsworth, Santa Ana, Ontario, and San Diego.

Enhancing Employee Well-Being

Benefits and Perks: We offer multiple medical and dental insurance plans, as well as vision insurance. Plans are subsidized for both employees and dependents with coverage effective the first month after hire.  Additionally, Cordoba provides employees with paid AD&D and life insurance, a 401k with an industry leading employer match, generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 9 paid holidays, and other forms of paid time off.  We also offer flexible spending accounts (FSA’s) including medical care reimbursement, dependent care reimbursement, and commuter benefit plans. Employees are also eligible for our  employee assistance program and well-being benefits that include stress management, nutrition, and financial well-being.

Cordoba Corporation provides equal employment opportunities, promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Harassment-Free Workplace: We strictly prohibit workplace harassment based on any factor, including race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Cordoba is committed to fostering a healthy and happy lifestyle for our employees, both within and beyond the workplace.

For inquiries or accommodations, please contact our HR Department at: (213) 895-0224.

Join Cordoba Corporation and be part of shaping California’s future!

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