Job Information
Jacobs Sr. Project Estimator in San Francisco, California
We’re seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Project Estimator with strong cost modeling and construction estimating capability to join our team in San Francisco, CA. This role is ideal for someone who understands complex construction projects and can take full ownership of project estimates, cost validation, budget development, and change pricing from early planning through construction.
As a Project Estimator embedded at the client’s site, you will report directly to the Program Manager and work closely with Project Managers, Construction Managers, and the client team. You’ll support projects from early feasibility and programming through construction by developing, validating, and reconciling cost estimates that align with scope, schedule, and market conditions.
Beyond day-to-day estimating tasks, you will serve as a key Owner’s Representative for budgeting, cost and financial validation - providing independent oversight of contractor pricing, change events, and cost forecasts to support informed decision-making.
As the onsite Owner’s Representative for cost validation and estimating, you’ll be responsible to:
Develop and validate rough order of magnitude, conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction-level estimates for small, medium, and large capital projects.
Review, analyze, and reconcile contractor and consultant estimates, ensuring scope completeness and cost accuracy.
Support budget establishment and validation, including benchmarking, escalation, contingencies, and risk allowances.
Lead the pricing review of change events and change orders, including scope validation, cost analysis, negotiations support, and recommendations for approval.
Support Project Managers with cost reporting, financial risk identification, and mitigation strategies.
Participate in project meetings including cost reviews, OACs, and risk/challenge discussions.
Collaborate closely with contractors, designers, and inspectors to resolve scope and pricing discrepancies.
Support Jacobs’ Global Integrated Delivery (GID) teams by leveraging cost data, benchmarking, and estimating best practices.
⦁ Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
⦁ 8+ years of construction estimating and cost management experience, preferably supporting healthcare, research, or similarly regulated facilities.
⦁ Proven experience developing and validating project budgets, estimates, and change pricing across multiple project phases.
⦁ Strong understanding of construction means and methods, cost drivers, contracts, and delivery methods.
⦁ Experience with estimating and cost control systems (Unifier, Procore, Oracle, Sage, Excel-based models, etc.).
Ideally, You’ll Also Have
⦁ Professional estimating certification
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Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.