Sr. Project Estimator

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

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 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.

Here's what you'll need

⦁ 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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Posted Salary Range: Minimum

133,800.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

183,900.00

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 $133,800.00 to $183,900.00. 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 January 28, 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
San Francisco	California	United States