Lead Cost Estimator

About the Position 

We are seeking an experienced and successful Lead Cost Estimator to work on large transit and infrastructure projects. This is a long term, full-time, on-site position located in the greater Los Angeles, CA, metro area. 

Responsibilities 

• Develop and manage detailed cost estimates for rail, subway, tunneling, and multimodal transit infrastructure projects. 
• Prepare Independent Cost Estimates (ICE) for public agency approvals, contractor bid evaluations, and contract negotiations. 
• Utilize industry-standard estimating tools to generate accurate and defensible cost models. 
• Lead value engineering efforts to identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining project scope and quality. 
• Monitor cost trends, inflation factors, and procurement risks to refine cost projections and mitigate budget overruns. 
• Evaluate contractor change orders for merit, cost impact, and compliance with contract terms. 
• Conduct forensic cost analysis to assess claims and support dispute resolution. 
• Develop risk-based cost models that incorporate geotechnical challenges, tunneling complexities, ROW acquisitions, and system integration risks. 
• Work closely with project managers, legal teams, and procurement specialists to ensure financial accountability in contract execution. 
• Lead cost estimation for standard and alternative delivery contracts. 
• Develop bid pricing strategies and cost comparisons to support contractor selection and procurement decisions. 
• Collaborate with transit agencies, contractors, and engineering firms to align estimates with project execution plans. 
• Manage cost reconciliation efforts between the project owner, general contractors, and subcontractors. 
• Work directly with agency leadership, funding partners, and regulatory bodies to present cost models and budget justifications. 
• Lead a team of cost estimators, providing guidance, training, and quality assurance in all cost-related activities. 
• Collaborate with design engineers, project controls teams, and construction managers to ensure accurate cost projections throughout the project lifecycle. 
• Prepare and present cost reports, variance analyses, and funding requirement updates to executive leadership. 

Skills and Attributes 

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify cost risks and optimization opportunities. 
• Strong negotiation and communication skills for contractor discussions and stakeholder presentations. 
• Ability to lead and mentor a team while managing multiple project priorities in a high-pressure environment. 
• Detail-oriented with a focus on cost accuracy, transparency, and compliance with funding requirements. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• 10+ years of experience in cost estimation for large-scale highway, transit, rail, or tunneling infrastructure projects. 
• Proven expertise in cost estimating for the following types of projects: highways/roads, stations, trackwork, and tunneling. 
• Ability to develop and manage appropriate internal and external resources to facilitate the development of accurate cost estimates in a schedule driven program environment. 
• Strong understanding of earned value management (EVM), schedule-cost integration, and forensic cost analyses. 
• Ability to develop and manage appropriate internal and external resources to facilitate the development of accurate cost estimates in a schedule driven program environment. 
• Strong understanding of earned value management (EVM), schedule-cost integration, and forensic cost analysis. 
• Understanding of FTA, FRA, and DOT funding and cost compliance requirements. 
• Expert knowledge of all design and construction disciplines means, and methods used on transit infrastructure work in general. 
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of estimating.  
• Expertise in cost estimation software (e.g., Timberline, HCSS, Planswift, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff). 
• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6, Microsoft Excel, and construction cost databases. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Word, Teams, PowerPoint, etc.) 

Preferred Qualifications 

• PE License in the state of California. 
• Professional certifications preferred (e.g., AACE CCP, PSP, or EVP; PMP; DBIA; RICS Quantity Surveyor). 

Compensation Details 

The salary range listed for this role is $210k-260k/yr ($100-$125/hr.) The final salary offered is based on multiple factors and is thoughtfully aligned with each candidate’s level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, etc. 

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer! 

• Unlimited Flexible Time Off 
• Paid Holidays 
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Health Insurance 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent/Elder Care) 
• Long Term Disability Insurance 
• Short Term Disability Insurance 
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy 
• 401(k) Plan with Guaranteed Employer Contribution 
• Formal Career Planning and Development Program 
• $2,500 Annually Towards Professional Development 
• Wellness Program with Monthly Wellness Stipend 
• Company Cell Phone or Cell Phone Plan Reimbursement 
• Free Personalized Meal Planning & Nutrition Support with a Registered Dietitian  
• Free Personal Financial Planning Services 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Employee Discounts 
• Employee Referral Bonus  
• Specific plan details for each benefit offering above will be provided upon offer (e.g., percentages of coverage, premium costs, etc.) #IN-LNJS 

Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.

Please email hiring@luster.com for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.