Cost Estimator - security clearance required

Cities & Places At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Jacobs has an opportunity for a Cost Estimator supporting our long-term project in Washington, DC.

Position Description

The Cost Estimator – Position will support related construction, design/build, and architecture and engineering projects. The Cost Estimator will be responsible for reviewing technical requirements, drawings, plans, materials and providing detailed cost estimates. General responsibilities include:

• Analyzes drawings and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates

• Assesses cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to contract award costs as the project develops.

• Consults with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.

• Confers with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.

• Prepares estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.

• Prepares estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.

• Identifying and quantifying cost factors, such as production time and raw material, equipment, and labor expenses.

• Traveling to job sites to gather information on materials needed, labor requirements, and other factors.

• Reading drawings and technical documents to prepare estimates.

• Collaborating with engineers, architects, owners, and contractors on estimates.

• Using sophisticated computer software to calculate estimates.

• Evaluating a product’s cost effectiveness or profitability.

• Recommending ways to make a product more cost effective or profitable.

• Preparing estimates for the government agent and other Program Managers.

• Assists in developing cost documents such as project management plans for the duration of the project. Responds to cost needs for the duration of the project.

• Accurately predicts the cost, size, and duration of future construction and manufacturing projects.

• Analyzing many inputs in order to determine how much time, money, and labor a project needs and how profitable it will be.

• Using computer software, including databases, to simulate building construction.

• Calculating the cost of the construction phase for which the contractor is responsible.

• Identifying the direct costs, such as the cost of raw materials and the cost of labor, and set a timeline for how long the project will take.

#LI-IR1

Here's what you'll need

• An active TOP SECRET Clearance is a requirement for this position.
• Bachelor’s degree in an area such as economics, mathematics, building science, statistics, construction management, production management, accounting, finance, or engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a planner/scheduler on construction projects.
• Hold industry recognized certification such as a Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Earned Value Professional (EVP), Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP), Project Management Institute-Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP), etc.
• Excellent IT and math skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• The ability to pay close attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Good project management skills.
• Have a keen sense of business acumen and awareness.
• An understanding of the importance of data confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently.
• The ability to organize work and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of regulations, price trends and exchange rates in building construction and associated trades.
• Experience using industry software products used for cost estimating activities to include TS Means and CTC.

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

115,000.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

170,000.00

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $115,000.00 to $170,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on February 20, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .

Locations

City State Country
Huntsville	Alabama	United States
Birmingham	Alabama	United States