Job Application for Sr. Cost Estimator at Luster National

About the Position

Are you the go-to person for keeping massive, complex infrastructure projects on budget and on track? Do you thrive in the high-stakes world of $500M+ ventures in transit, transportation, or aviation? If so, let’s talk. We’re on the hunt for a sharp, detail-driven Sr. Cost Estimator to join our team and help lead the charge on some of the largest and most transformative heavy civil projects out there—think rail and bus systems, highways, bridges, and airports.

In this role, you'll be responsible for developing and managing project cost estimates from the earliest conceptual phases all the way through final design and construction. You'll monitor trends in cost escalation, labor rates, and market conditions to ensure accuracy and competitiveness at every stage. As the trusted cost expert, you’ll also serve as the primary point of contact for clients—communicating clearly, offering strategic guidance, and keeping them informed with regular updates throughout the lifecycle of each project. Your ability to build strong relationships and align internal and external teams will be key to keeping projects moving smoothly and successfully. This is more than a numbers game. It’s an opportunity to make your mark on legacy-level projects that reshape how people move and connect.

This is a long-term/short-term, full-time/part-time, on-site/hybrid/remote position located in the greater New York City metro area.

Responsibilities may include the following

Preparation of detailed cost estimates for all phases of heavy civil projects—conceptual, schematic, design development, and final construction documents.
Review engineering plans and specifications to determine scope, pricing strategy, and estimate accuracy.
Analyze and apply historical data, cost databases, and market trends to forecast cost escalation and resource requirements.
Collaborate closely with project managers, schedulers, engineers, and procurement teams to align cost assumptions with construction methodologies and timelines.
Develop and maintain unit cost databases, cost benchmarking, and productivity standards.
Evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes for completeness, accuracy, and competitiveness.
Prepare and present detailed cost reports, variance analyses, and risk assessments to senior leadership and client stakeholders.
Incorporate construction means and methods, logistics constraints, and phasing strategies into the estimating process.
Serve as a key liaison with clients—providing clear, timely communication and participating in project meetings, scope reviews, and value engineering sessions.
Ensure estimates comply with internal quality standards and meet client and regulatory requirements.
Track and integrate real-time feedback from ongoing projects to improve future estimate accuracy and reliability.

Skills and Attributes

Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills.
Collaborative mindset that fosters teamwork, trust, and positive relationships.
Natural curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  
10+ years’ relevant construction estimating/cost control experience for large (>$500M), complex, heavy civil projects in transit (bus or rail), transportation (roads, highways, or bridges), or aviation (airports) sectors. 
Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and techniques related to heavy civil projects. 
Significant experience developing project and construction estimates, schedules, and costs. 
Experience with cost escalation, orders of magnitude, cost of materials, and labor rates. 
Experience working with government agencies and their processes. 
Experience with industry standard project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, etc.)
Experience with industry standard estimating software (e.g., RSMeans, HCSS HeavyBid, etc.)
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field.

Compensation Details

The salary range listed for this role is $120k-$180k/year ($57-$86/hour). 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 and coverage for each benefit noted above will be provided upon offer. #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.

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Sr. Cost Estimator

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