Construction Engineer Jobs in Tacoma, WA

The Federal Construction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for federal construction projects, including Department of Defense (DoD), USACE, NAVFAC, GSA, VA, and other government agencies. This position analyzes solicitation documents, drawings, specifications, and project requirements to develop comprehensive pricing proposals that maximize competitiveness while ensuring profitability and compliance with federal regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review and analyze federal solicitations, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bid (IFBs), and design-build opportunities.
• Perform quantity takeoffs from plans, specifications, and models.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, permits, bonding, and general conditions.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotations.
• Prepare pricing narratives, assumptions, clarifications, and bid summaries.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and cost-saving alternatives.
• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, engineers, and business development teams during proposal development.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, Davis-Bacon Act, Buy American requirements, and agency-specific regulations.
• Participate in bid reviews, pricing strategy discussions, and executive proposal reviews.
• Maintain estimating databases, historical cost information, and productivity metrics.
• Support change order pricing, Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REA), and claims preparation as needed.
• Track market trends, material pricing, labor rates, and subcontractor availability.

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 5 years of construction estimating experience.
• Experience estimating federal construction projects valued from $1M to $100M+.
• Strong understanding of federal contracting procedures and government procurement requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience with USACE, NAVFAC, Air Force, Army Corps, GSA, VA, or other federal agencies.
• Design-build estimating experience.
• Knowledge of CSI MasterFormat and cost coding systems.
• Experience with RSMeans, Sage Estimating, Bluebeam, Planswift, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar software.
• Experience preparing REAs, change orders, and government modifications.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or CCM.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of construction means and methods.
• Knowledge of federal construction regulations and contract requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and proposal deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong negotiation and subcontractor relationship management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to estimate accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative proposal team.

Pay: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person