Senior Cost Estimator Jobs
Senior Cost Estimator jobs are open across construction, manufacturing, defense, and engineering firms, from mid-level to principal and chief estimator, with specializations in MEP systems, heavy civil, and EPC project delivery. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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TOOLING COST ESTIMATOR
Position Summary
The Tooling Cost Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates and quotations for progressive dies, transfer dies, line dies, and related metal forming projects. This position reviews customer requests for quotation (RFQ’s), associated attachments such as CAD models, drawings, material specifications, and customer equipment specifications to prepare an accurate quote. The cost estimator uses CAD and/or drawings to determine appropriate blank size, tooling process lineup, tooling size, and ultimately the tooling cost.
A successful candidate possesses broad knowledge of the North American tool and die industry as well as the North American metal stamping industry for automotive and non-automotive products. The candidate must possess excellent technical, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Review customer RFQs, prints, CAD models, specifications, and other technical documentation to determine project requirements.
· Identify manufacturing processes, equipment requirements, tooling requirements, and potential production challenges.
· Develop blank size, station lineup, die size, and tooling costs cost estimates for progressive dies, transfer dies, line dies, and related manufacturing projects.
· Prepare detailed customer cost breakdowns as required.
· Participate in quote review meetings and communicate recommendations regarding pricing, lead times, and project feasibility.
· Maintain accurate estimating records, quote documentation, and historical cost information.
· Support continuous improvement efforts related to estimating procedures, quoting accuracy, manufacturing efficiency, and profitability.
· Communicate with customers, suppliers, and internal team members as needed to clarify technical or commercial requirements.
· Assist with project handoff following receipt of a purchase order to ensure all requirements, assumptions, and quoted details are clearly communicated to the management team.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
· High school diploma or GED required; Journeyman tool & die maker, technical degree, or equivalent experience in tool and die, metal stamping operations, or a related field preferred.
· Minimum of [10] years of experience in tool and die, metal stamping, estimating, or a related manufacturing environment.
· Strong understanding of sheet metal product processing in a broad range of automotive and non-automotive manufacturing commodities.
· Pragmatic 3D CAD user (Visi or Autoform preferred) to analyze product, refinement zones, create blank shape, nesting, and gross blank weight.
· Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, engineering specifications, and customer requirements.
· Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
· Ability to manage multiple RFQs and projects while meeting established deadlines.
· Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described below are representative of those that may be required to successfully perform this position:
· Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
· Ability to communicate effectively with employees, customers, and suppliers.
· Ability to occasionally visit the manufacturing floor to review tooling, equipment, and production processes.
· Ability to occasionally lift or move materials or objects consistent with normal manufacturing and office environments.
Work Environment
This position works primarily in an office environment with regular interaction and collaboration in the engineering and manufacturing environment. Appropriate personal protective equipment may be required.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Senior Cost Estimator Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Senior Cost Estimator JobsSenior Cost Estimator Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Tetra Tech38

- Delve Underground7

- Planate Management6

- Connico5

- Above Group5

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services15
- Construction & Real Estate14
- Technology & Software3
- Staffing & Recruiting2
- Electronics & Hardware2
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior cost estimator jobs.
- 5 or more years of professional cost estimating experience in a relevant industry
- Proficiency in industry estimating software such as HCSS, Sage Estimating, or Timberline
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related technical field
- Demonstrated ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications
- Experience estimating projects across multiple delivery methods including lump sum and GMP
- Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or equivalent industry certification preferred
Tips for Your Senior Cost Estimator Job Search
Quantify your bid-win history clearly
Hiring managers want to see the dollar value of projects you've estimated and your bid accuracy rate. Replace vague phrases like 'prepared cost estimates' with concrete project types, delivery methods, and the scale of bids you've led or contributed to.
Highlight software proficiency up front
Employers sort candidates fast by tool fluency. List your experience with estimating platforms like HCSS, Sage Estimating, On-Screen Takeoff, or Bluebeam near the top of your resume, not buried in a skills section at the bottom.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists senior cost estimator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target job postings by delivery method
Design-build, design-bid-build, and CM-at-risk roles require different estimating workflows. Search using delivery method terms alongside your title to surface openings where your specific process experience is a direct fit rather than a partial match.
Prepare a takeoff walkthrough for interviews
Many senior estimator interviews include a practical exercise where you estimate a scope from drawings or a spec sheet. Bring a printed or digital example of a past takeoff you led so you can walk through your methodology, assumptions, and cost drivers confidently.
Negotiate using total project value, not just salary
When discussing compensation, anchor your value to the aggregate dollar volume of projects you've estimated annually. Framing your contribution at that scale gives you a concrete basis for negotiating a senior-level package, including project bonuses or estimating incentives.
Senior Cost Estimator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most senior cost estimators?
The companies hiring the most senior cost estimators right now include Tetra Tech, Delve Underground, and Planate Management, with the largest share of openings in California, Texas, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. General contractors, ENR-ranked engineering firms, and federal defense contractors consistently represent the largest share of active postings for this role.
How many senior cost estimator jobs are remote?
About 76% of senior cost estimator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with remote availability concentrated in preconstruction consulting, software-based quantity surveying, and owner-side estimating roles rather than field-adjacent positions at general contractors or specialty subcontractors, which typically require on-site presence for site visits and subcontractor coordination.
How do you become a senior cost estimator?
Start by earning a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field, then spend several years in a junior or mid-level estimating role building takeoff skills across a specific trade or sector. Progress by leading full bid packages independently, earning a certification such as the CPE through ASPE, and developing fluency in the estimating software your target market uses. Consistent exposure to preconstruction, subcontractor negotiations, and bid-day coordination accelerates the path to a senior title.
Can I get hired as a senior cost estimator without direct estimating experience?
Transitioning into a senior estimating role without a formal estimating background is possible if you have deep field experience as a project engineer, superintendent, or project manager, since hands-on knowledge of construction means, methods, and cost drivers is what employers are actually after. Pairing that experience with a completed takeoff sample, proficiency in a recognized estimating platform, and a CPE certification in progress can make a compelling case even when your job titles haven't included the word estimator.
What does the senior cost estimator interview process look like?
Most senior cost estimator interviews begin with a phone screen focused on your industry sector, project types, and estimating software experience, followed by a technical interview where you walk through a past bid in detail, explaining your assumptions, scope gaps, and how you handled subcontractor coverage. Many employers include a practical exercise requiring you to estimate a short scope from drawings or specifications. Final rounds often involve meeting the preconstruction director or a VP of operations who evaluates your communication style and ability to present numbers to clients or executives.
Where can I find and apply to senior cost estimator jobs?
You can find and apply to senior cost estimator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your sector, project type, or location and apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 225+ Senior Cost Estimator Jobs
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