Facilities Cost Estimator Cost Engineer

The Building People LLC is seeking a full-time Facilities Cost Estimator / Cost Engineer to support facility maintenance repair and minor construction projects in Columbia SC.

This role is ideal for an estimator with a background in either military facility operations (DPW JOC SABER) OR commercial facility maintenance renovations and tenant improvements (TI). You will act as a technical advisor reviewing contractor proposals developing independent cost estimates and ensuring that all facility repairs and alterations are technically sound cost-effective and code-compliant.

Responsibilities/Duties

Proposal & Estimate Review

• Review and evaluate cost proposals submitted by contractors for facility maintenance repair and minor construction.
• Ensure estimates conform with client requirements commercial building codes or Army regulations.

Cost Estimate Development

• Develop Independent Government Estimates (IGEs) or detailed commercial cost estimates for repairs remodeling renovations and MEP (Mechanical Electrical Plumbing) system upgrades.
• Estimate manpower material costs and project schedules/duration.

Technical Plan Review

• Review A/E drawings blueprints and specifications for feasibility and adherence to engineering fundamentals.
• Evaluate Preventative Maintenance Plans Quality Assurance Plans and as-built drawings.

Contract & Scoping Support

• Assist in drafting detailed Statements of Work (SOW) technical specifications and preliminary sketches for contract modifications.
• Prepare design deficiency reports and contract adjustment recommendations.

Site Inspections

• Conduct periodic site visits and facility condition assessments to study building conditions and gather data for scopes of work and estimates.

*This position will not have supervisory responsibilities.

Required Experience & Skills

• 3 years of experience in construction estimating specifically focusing on facility renovations repairs tenant improvements (TI) or facility maintenance (FM).
• Practical experience developing detailed specifications scopes of work and project schedules.
• Working knowledge of MEP systems (HVAC plumbing/piping electrical fire protection and ventilation).
• Experience conducting building inspections or facility condition assessments.
• Familiarity with RSMeans or similar industry-standard estimating databases.
• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS / Maximo).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints/drawings; familiarity with AutoCAD or MicroStation is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review contractor proposals for cost reasonability.
• Ability to work independently manage shifting timelines and communicate professionally with both clients and contractors.

Education Licenses & Clearance

• Education: Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of three (3) years of experience OR five (5) plus years of equivalent combined education training and professional estimating experience.
• Clearance: Must be eligible for or currently possess a favorable National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) / Tier 1 background investigation in accordance with AR 380-67 (Required for base access and CAC issuance).
• License: Valid Drivers License (required for local site visits).
• Preferred Certifications: Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) or LEED AP (Not Required).

Physical Demands - While performing site visits the employee may be required to stand walk bend or climb (stairs/ladders) for extended periods and occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment - Primarily a temperature-controlled office environment. Periodic site visits may expose the employee to outdoor weather conditions active construction environments and moderate noise levels.