About the Positions 

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 sharp, detail-driven Sr. Cost Estimators 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.

The Sr. Cost Estimator roles have responsibility 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 posting is for future roles and not for a specific opportunity that is available right now. We accept applications and conduct interviews in advance of upcoming hiring needs. When a candidate is selected, their profile is activated in our talent pool for this specialty area. We notify our talent pool candidates first whenever we have a project need.  

This posting targets New York, NY. 

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, 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.

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, quantity surveying, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• 10+ years’ relevant construction estimating/cost control experience for heavy civil highways, roads, bridges, airports, or transit projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and techniques related to heavy civil rail or bus projects.
• Significant experience developing project and construction estimates, schedules, and costs. 
• Experience with cost escalation, orders of magnitude, cost of materials, and labor rates. 
• Proficiency with industry-standard estimating and project-controls software (e.g., HCSS, RSMeans, etc.)  
• Proficiency with Primavera P6 or MS Project. 
• 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 quantity surveying. 
• Active professional certifications such as CCE, CCEA, CCP, CEP, PSP (AACE); PMP or PMI-SP (PMI). 
• PE license in relevant jurisdiction(s). 
• Experience with large (>$500M), complex, heavy-civil infrastructure projects in the transit industry. 
• Experience delivering projects through both traditional and alternative methods (e.g., DB, CM/GC, P3).  
• Experience with Microsoft Power BI, Oracle Cloud Analytics, or other dashboard KPI reporting software. 

Compensation Details 

The salary range listed for this role is $155k-$190k/yr ($74-$91/hr). The final salary offered will be based on multiple factors and thoughtfully aligned with each candidate’s level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, geographic location, etc. 

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!  

• Unlimited flexible time off  
• Paid holidays  
• Paid parental leave  
• Health, dental, and vision insurance  
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent or elder care)  
• Long-term disability insurance  
• Short-term disability insurance  
• Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment 
• 401(k) plan with guaranteed employer contribution  
• Formal career planning and development program  
• $2,500 annually toward professional development  
• Wellness program with monthly wellness stipend  
• Company cell phone or cell phone plan reimbursement  
• Free personalized meal planning and 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. 

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 for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.