H-1B Visa Senior Cost Estimator Jobs
Senior Cost Estimators qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Roles in construction, defense, and infrastructure consistently generate LCA filings, making this a strong target for H-1B job seekers with quantitative project experience.
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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 H-1B Visa Senior Cost Estimator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Senior Cost Estimator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Senior Cost Estimator
Verify your degree field matches the role
USCIS requires your degree to align directly with cost estimating, not just general business. Engineering, construction management, or applied mathematics degrees strengthen your specialty occupation case. A mismatch here is a common RFE trigger.
Search LCA filings by occupation code
Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by H-1B LCA filing history under the cost estimator SOC code. This shows you which companies have actually sponsored this role before, not just which ones say they're open to sponsorship.
Target defense contractors and infrastructure firms
Federal contractors on long-term government projects file H-1B petitions regularly for cost estimators because the roles recur. Companies with active DOD or DOE contracts often have established immigration processes and dedicated HR support.
Confirm the prevailing wage tier before accepting an offer
Your employer's LCA must certify wages at Level I through Level IV. Run your job title and location through the OFLC Wage Search before negotiations so you know which tier applies and can flag any offer that falls short.
Flag your cost software certifications during screening
Proficiency in HCSS, Timberline, or MCACES (MII) signals that you're performing specialized technical work, not generalist estimation. This specificity supports the specialty occupation argument USCIS reviews during adjudication.
File with premium processing if your start date is firm
USCIS premium processing upgrades adjudication to 15 business days. If your employer has a project deadline tied to your start date, request that they elect premium at filing to avoid a gap between your offer letter and your ability to begin work.
H-1B Visa Senior Cost Estimator: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Cost Estimator role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, provided the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as engineering, construction management, or applied mathematics. USCIS looks at whether the specific job duties demand that theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge. Generic estimation roles where any business degree suffices are harder to defend, so the job description matters.
Which industries hire H-1B sponsored Senior Cost Estimators most often?
Defense, heavy construction, oil and gas, and large-scale infrastructure projects generate the most consistent H-1B LCA filings for cost estimators. Federal prime contractors and engineering procurement construction firms are particularly active sponsors because their project pipelines require specialized estimators on a recurring basis. You can browse employers with verified filing history on Migrate Mate.
What happens to my H-1B status if my project ends and the employer has no immediate next assignment?
Your H-1B status is tied to your employer, not a specific project. If the employer keeps you on payroll at the certified wage, your status remains valid even during a bench period. If they terminate you, you have a 60-day grace period under USCIS rules to find a new sponsor, change status, or depart the U.S.
How does a prevailing wage determination affect a Senior Cost Estimator offer?
Your employer must file an LCA certifying they'll pay at least the prevailing wage for your job title, location, and experience level. DOL sets four wage levels using O*NET data and regional surveys. A Level III or IV designation is common for senior roles. If the offered salary falls below the certified wage, the LCA won't be approved and the H-1B petition can't proceed.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new cost estimating employer mid-project?
Yes. H-1B portability under AC21 lets you start working for a new employer as soon as they file a transfer petition, without waiting for approval, as long as your current H-1B was approved and you haven't fallen out of status. The new employer files a new I-129 and LCA. Your prior project experience and certifications carry over and support the specialty occupation case for the new petition.