E-3 Visa Senior Cost Estimator Jobs
Senior Cost Estimator roles in construction, engineering, and infrastructure qualify as E-3 specialty occupations when the position requires a bachelor's degree in quantity surveying, civil engineering, or a related field. Australian professionals can secure E-3 visa sponsorship without entering a lottery, with renewals available indefinitely as long as you hold a qualifying offer.
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Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries.
Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.
Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.
We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.
Job Description
Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimator to act as the key, day‑to‑day client interface on large, mission‑critical construction programs. This role is responsible for ensuring client objectives are met through the delivery of disciplined, value‑added commercial and cost management services across complex, schedule‑driven projects.
The successful candidate will be confident in a client‑facing environment, highly organized, and comfortable operating independently while collaborating within integrated project teams. In this position, you will provide commercial leadership during design and construction, supporting the successful delivery of complex campus‑scale facilities that include infrastructure‑heavy works, MEP‑intensive buildings, and fleet‑support systems such as EV charging.
You will represent and promote Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values, and commitment to excellence while supporting best‑practice commercial governance throughout the project lifecycle.
This role offers flexibility for remote work; however, strong preference will be given to candidates who are able and willing to work regularly with our team in San Francisco. Proximity to the SF Bay Area and the ability to engage locally with project teams and stakeholders will be viewed as a significant advantage.
Responsibilities:
- Act as the primary day‑to‑day commercial interface with the client during design and construction.
- Provide cost planning, estimating, and forecasting services, including producing and presenting cost plans at key design and construction milestones.
- Establish and maintain robust cost control, change management, and commercial governance processes.
- Estimate, review, negotiate, and manage change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
- Review contractor and subcontractor pricing for accuracy, entitlement, and value for money, leading negotiations on behalf of the client where required.
- Manage contingency, commitment tracking, cost‑to‑complete forecasting, and cost variance analysis.
- Perform post‑contract quantity surveying, cost control, valuations, and payment certification.
- Carry out accurate interim valuations, cost checks, and commercial audits on medium to large construction projects.
- Review and provide written commentary on contractor submissions, including executive summaries.
- Administer cost and commercial aspects of contracts, supporting correct application of contractual mechanisms.
- Ensure final accounts are negotiated, agreed, and closed out in a timely and defensible manner.
- Compile built‑cost data and benchmarking records to support future phases and portfolio planning.
- Collaborate with owners, project managers, design teams, and contractors to support cost development and design progression.
- Inform and influence engineering and design priorities by assessing and communicating cost, risk, and schedule impacts.
- Coordinate all sources of cost data, including GC submissions, subcontractor pricing, supplier inputs, direct procurement, and quantities from A/Es.
- Participate in value engineering and design optioneering exercises, supporting cost optimization without compromising performance or schedule.
- Prepare funding data, executive cost presentations, and reporting materials for stakeholder review.
- Support commercial management of infrastructure‑intensive and operationally critical systems, including:
- Electrical distribution and utility upgrades
- MEP‑heavy building systems
- Site works, civil packages, and phased construction
- EV charging and fleet‑support infrastructure integrated into campus environments
- Manage cost and change implications associated with phased delivery, fast‑track construction, and evolving operational requirements.
- Produce accurate monthly cost reports, forecasts, and commercial dashboards for client presentation.
- Utilize internal systems to manage commission financial performance, margins, and resource forecasting.
- Implement and maintain Turner & Townsend Business Management Systems and delivery methodologies.
- Identify, coach, and mentor junior staff, supporting professional development and technical excellence.
- Act as a role model for collaboration, integrity, and consistent service delivery.
- SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction discipline.
- 5–7+ years of relevant experience in a cost management or quantity surveying role within the construction industry.
- Proven experience delivering cost management services on medium to large, complex construction projects, ideally within mission‑critical, industrial, infrastructure, or campus‑scale environments.
- Background in construction consultancy or client‑side cost management strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of construction contracts, procurement routes, valuations, change control, and final account processes.
- Experience supporting MEP‑intensive works, infrastructure packages, and utility‑driven construction scope.
- RICS accreditation or progress toward chartership preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with confidence engaging senior stakeholders.
Additional Information
On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.
The base salary range for this role is $150K-$165K USD. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of the posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.
Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.
We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.
Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Company Description
Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries.
Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.
Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.
We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.
Job Description
Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimator to act as the key, day‑to‑day client interface on large, mission‑critical construction programs. This role is responsible for ensuring client objectives are met through the delivery of disciplined, value‑added commercial and cost management services across complex, schedule‑driven projects.
The successful candidate will be confident in a client‑facing environment, highly organized, and comfortable operating independently while collaborating within integrated project teams. In this position, you will provide commercial leadership during design and construction, supporting the successful delivery of complex campus‑scale facilities that include infrastructure‑heavy works, MEP‑intensive buildings, and fleet‑support systems such as EV charging.
You will represent and promote Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values, and commitment to excellence while supporting best‑practice commercial governance throughout the project lifecycle.
This role offers flexibility for remote work; however, strong preference will be given to candidates who are able and willing to work regularly with our team in San Francisco. Proximity to the SF Bay Area and the ability to engage locally with project teams and stakeholders will be viewed as a significant advantage.
Responsibilities:
- Act as the primary day‑to‑day commercial interface with the client during design and construction.
- Provide cost planning, estimating, and forecasting services, including producing and presenting cost plans at key design and construction milestones.
- Establish and maintain robust cost control, change management, and commercial governance processes.
- Estimate, review, negotiate, and manage change orders throughout the construction lifecycle.
- Review contractor and subcontractor pricing for accuracy, entitlement, and value for money, leading negotiations on behalf of the client where required.
- Manage contingency, commitment tracking, cost‑to‑complete forecasting, and cost variance analysis.
- Perform post‑contract quantity surveying, cost control, valuations, and payment certification.
- Carry out accurate interim valuations, cost checks, and commercial audits on medium to large construction projects.
- Review and provide written commentary on contractor submissions, including executive summaries.
- Administer cost and commercial aspects of contracts, supporting correct application of contractual mechanisms.
- Ensure final accounts are negotiated, agreed, and closed out in a timely and defensible manner.
- Compile built‑cost data and benchmarking records to support future phases and portfolio planning.
- Collaborate with owners, project managers, design teams, and contractors to support cost development and design progression.
- Inform and influence engineering and design priorities by assessing and communicating cost, risk, and schedule impacts.
- Coordinate all sources of cost data, including GC submissions, subcontractor pricing, supplier inputs, direct procurement, and quantities from A/Es.
- Participate in value engineering and design optioneering exercises, supporting cost optimization without compromising performance or schedule.
- Prepare funding data, executive cost presentations, and reporting materials for stakeholder review.
- Support commercial management of infrastructure‑intensive and operationally critical systems, including:
- Electrical distribution and utility upgrades
- MEP‑heavy building systems
- Site works, civil packages, and phased construction
- EV charging and fleet‑support infrastructure integrated into campus environments
- Manage cost and change implications associated with phased delivery, fast‑track construction, and evolving operational requirements.
- Produce accurate monthly cost reports, forecasts, and commercial dashboards for client presentation.
- Utilize internal systems to manage commission financial performance, margins, and resource forecasting.
- Implement and maintain Turner & Townsend Business Management Systems and delivery methodologies.
- Identify, coach, and mentor junior staff, supporting professional development and technical excellence.
- Act as a role model for collaboration, integrity, and consistent service delivery.
- SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction discipline.
- 5–7+ years of relevant experience in a cost management or quantity surveying role within the construction industry.
- Proven experience delivering cost management services on medium to large, complex construction projects, ideally within mission‑critical, industrial, infrastructure, or campus‑scale environments.
- Background in construction consultancy or client‑side cost management strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of construction contracts, procurement routes, valuations, change control, and final account processes.
- Experience supporting MEP‑intensive works, infrastructure packages, and utility‑driven construction scope.
- RICS accreditation or progress toward chartership preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with confidence engaging senior stakeholders.
Additional Information
On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.
The base salary range for this role is $150K-$165K USD. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of the posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.
Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.
We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.
Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
See all E-3 Visa Senior Cost Estimator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new E-3 Visa Senior Cost Estimator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding E-3 Visa Sponsorship in Senior Cost Estimator
Frame your Australian credentials for U.S. employers
A three-year Australian bachelor's degree in quantity surveying or civil engineering satisfies E-3 visa degree requirements. Pair it with an AIQS membership or CPEng registration to signal professional standing that U.S. hiring managers recognize as equivalent to AACE certification.
Target project-heavy sectors with established LCA pipelines
Construction management firms, defense contractors, and large infrastructure consultancies file Labor Condition Applications regularly. Roles tied to active capital projects, highways, data centers, industrial plants, give employers a clear business case for sponsoring an E-3 cost estimator.
Clarify the specialty occupation requirement before applying
If a job posting lists a degree as preferred rather than required, the role may not qualify as a specialty occupation under E-3 rules. Ask the recruiter directly whether the position requires a bachelor's degree in a specific technical discipline before investing time in the process.
Negotiate LCA filing timing into your offer timeline
Your employer must obtain a certified LCA from DOL before you can apply at the consulate. Standard DOL certification takes seven business days. Build that window into your start date negotiation so neither side is caught short before your visa interview.
Use Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service to coordinate LCA and consulate prep
The LCA, DS-160, and consulate appointment must align precisely or your start date slips. Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service manages the entire process from offer to consulate appointment, so your employer handles the cost estimation work and you handle the visa paperwork together.
Prepare for specialty occupation scrutiny at the consulate
Consular officers sometimes question whether cost estimating requires a specific degree rather than general experience. Bring your degree transcript, a detailed job description linking duties to your field of study, and any professional certifications to demonstrate the role is genuinely degree-dependent.
E-3 Visa Senior Cost Estimator: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find Senior Cost Estimator jobs that offer E-3 visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for Australian professionals searching for U.S. roles with E-3 sponsorship. Rather than filtering through general job boards that don't surface visa status, Migrate Mate connects you with employers who have active E-3 hiring intent for specialty occupation roles like Senior Cost Estimator.
How much does it cost to get an E-3 visa?
Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service covers the entire process for $499, including the Labor Condition Application, visa document preparation, and consulate appointment guidance. Traditional immigration lawyers charge $2,000–$5,000+ for the same work. The E-3 has less paperwork than most work visas, so paying thousands for legal help is usually unnecessary.
Does a Senior Cost Estimator role qualify as a specialty occupation for the E-3 visa?
Yes, provided the employer's position description requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field such as civil engineering, construction management, or quantity surveying. If the job description accepts any degree or treats education as optional, the role may not satisfy the specialty occupation standard, and the employer will need to tighten the requirements before filing the LCA.
How does the E-3 visa compare to the H-1B for Senior Cost Estimator roles?
The E-3 is available year-round with no lottery and no annual cap, so your employer can sponsor you as soon as a role opens rather than waiting for an April registration window. H-1B visa selection is random and limited to 85,000 slots annually. For Australian nationals in cost estimating, the E-3 is a materially faster and more predictable path to starting work in the U.S.
Can I change employers or projects while on an E-3 visa as a cost estimator?
You can change employers, but your new employer must file a fresh LCA with DOL and you'll need a new E-3 visa stamp before you can work for them. There is no transfer mechanism equivalent to H-1B portability. If you're moving between projects within the same employer entity, no new filing is required unless your work location, job title, or wage level changes materially.