Estimator

Job description

We have an opening for an Estimating Specialist who will provide support to Laboratory projects and programs in the form of planning, design, estimating, and specifying materials required for job order work by shop crafts or on-site contractors. Your responsibilities will include defining activities and associated scope, activity durations, logic and interfaces between activities, and resource loading activities. This position is in the Project Management Office (PMO). The Project Management Office (PMO) provides LLNL with engineering, design, estimating, construction, and project management services. PMO provides infrastructure services to enable cutting-edge research and development in the areas of defense technologies, global security, laser science, bioscience, and more. PMO offers cradle to grave infrastructure services to achieve reliable delivery of completed projects with priority on safety, collaboration, and a workforce working toward our shared vision. This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level. Perform independent cost estimating and technical analysis on multidisciplinary construction projects using industry standards (e.g., CSI MasterFormat, RS Means, NECA, SMACNA). Develop complex cost estimates using assembled unit rates, staff-hour calculations, and detailed takeoffs; apply escalation and contingency modeling and provide justification via formal Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation. Evaluate risk and uncertainty in estimates by analyzing historical cost data, project-specific drivers, and current market trends; develop recommendations for improvements in contingency methodologies. Interface with internal stakeholders, senior project leadership, and external contractors to provide detailed cost and planning guidance, as well as participate in cross-functional project reviews and risk mitigation discussions. Reconcile estimates with actuals and bid costs to enhance the accuracy and predictive power of institutional estimating tools and workflows. Perform field visits to assess constructability and validate scope assumptions; support change order analysis and on-site cost assessments. Ensure proper handling and confidentiality of sensitive project and estimate data, particularly for government-classified work. Perform other duties as assigned. In addition, at the TSS.4 Level Serve as a technical subject matter expert on project cost estimating, frequently mentoring junior staff and contributing to the creation and delivery of training programs on estimating standards and tools. Execute duties under consultative direction, applying independent judgment and considerable latitude to recommend technical solutions that support programmatic goals. Develop and improve estimating work processes, tools, templates, data sources, and contingency methodologies used to support institutional estimating practices. Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship. Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Demonstrated expertise in construction cost estimating in a multi-discipline environment. Experience in both Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build project environments. Ability to independently perform complex multidisciplinary construction cost-estimating assignments and contribute to estimating process and tool improvements. Execute duties with minimal supervision, applying independent judgment to recommend technical solutions that support programmatic goals. Advanced knowledge of cost estimation principles, engineering drawings/specifications, and technical codes. Seasoned in estimating software and tools such as Sage Estimating, OST, Bluebeam, MS Excel, and cost scheduling systems. Strong working knowledge of CSI MasterFormat, and labor and materials data from sources such as RS Means, NECA, and SMACNA. Advanced interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical data to varied stakeholders and work collaboratively across departments. In addition, at the TSS.4 Level Expert knowledge of cost estimation principles, engineering drawings/specifications, and technical codes. Highly advanced in estimating software and tools such as Sage Estimating, OST, Bluebeam, MS Excel, and cost scheduling systems. Subject matter expert knowledge of CSI MasterFormat, and labor and materials data from sources such as RS Means, NECA, and SMACNA. Highly advanced interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical data to varied stakeholders and work collaboratively across departments. Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership and guidance on complex, high-impact, or ambiguous estimating issues. Qualifications We Desire Experience working in high-cost construction markets such as the San Francisco Bay Area. Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Familiarity with Primavera P6, MS Project, AutoCAD, Revit, and SharePoint. Pay Range $154,950 - $235,692 Annually $154,950 - $196,476 at the TSS.3 Level $185,850 - $235,692 at the TSS.4 Level This is the lowest to highest salary range in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. #LI-Hybrid Position Information This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates. Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory? Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor! Flexible Benefits Package 401(k) Relocation Assistance Education Reimbursement Program Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs) Our values - visit Security Clearance This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. Pre-Employment Drug Test External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor. Wireless and Medical Devices Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices. If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. 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The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here . Join us and make YOUR mark on the World! Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.