Estimator

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.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelors 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

$154950 - $235692 Annually

$154950 - $196476 at the TSS.3 Level

$185850 - $235692 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 employees 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.

Additional Information :

#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  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.

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  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.  

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time