Senior Cost Estimator Jobs in California
Senior Cost Estimator jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in construction, aerospace and defense, transportation infrastructure, and commercial development, with demand running from project estimator roles through senior and chief estimator positions. The largest hiring markets are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where established employers like Bechtel, Jacobs Engineering, and Turner Construction have deep and ongoing California operations. The most consistent openings are in heavy civil and infrastructure, commercial construction, and defense systems programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Works closely with project engineers and program management to develop a Bill of Material (BOM) structure by WBS for all FAR15 proposal efforts.
- Develops hardware material and labor estimates identified on the Bill of Materials (BOM) using the company developed Cost Estimating System (CES) in support of proposal and contract activities.
- Ensures cost estimates are developed in accordance with the request for proposal (RFP) specifications, meet overall corporate policies and objectives.
- Conducts BOM review meetings with Program Manager, Engineering, and Manufacturing for confirmation of hardware structure and approval of manufacturing touch labor hours.
- Prepares Consolidated Bill of Material (CBOM) for soliciting quotes from Procurement.
- Develops and maintains BOM EXCEL spreadsheets.
- Prepares reports to Pricing, Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality Assurance using EXCEL and CES.
- Performs or assists with pre-award, post-award and fact finding audits.
- Basic understanding of FAR regulations relating to the BOM.
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
- Expected to maintain a productive and safe working environment in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
- Performs other duties as assigned or required.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree and three or more years of experience in finance, accounting, or business administration in a manufacturing environment. Equivalent experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
- Must have a general knowledge and competence in the concepts, principles, and standard practices for cost and pricing within government contracting.
- Must have experience negotiating and working in government contracting environment and be able to analyze and solve a variety of moderately complex costing problems.
- Must have good interpersonal skills and communication skills, both verbal and written and be computer literate with knowledge of computer applications relevant to the position, including spreadsheet applications.
- Excellent Excel and other M/S Office PC skills.
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment is essential.
- Must be able to work extended hours when required.
Job Category
Contracts/Sub Contracts/Purchasing
Experience Level
Mid-Level (3-7 years)
Workstyle
Onsite
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time Salary
Pay Range Low
59,000
Pay Range High
94,625
Travel Percentage Required
0% - 25%
Relocation Assistance Provided?
No
US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Clearance Required?
No
Search Jobs at | General Atomics and Affiliated Companies
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Works closely with project engineers and program management to develop a Bill of Material (BOM) structure by WBS for all FAR15 proposal efforts.
- Develops hardware material and labor estimates identified on the Bill of Materials (BOM) using the company developed Cost Estimating System (CES) in support of proposal and contract activities.
- Ensures cost estimates are developed in accordance with the request for proposal (RFP) specifications, meet overall corporate policies and objectives.
- Conducts BOM review meetings with Program Manager, Engineering, and Manufacturing for confirmation of hardware structure and approval of manufacturing touch labor hours.
- Prepares Consolidated Bill of Material (CBOM) for soliciting quotes from Procurement.
- Develops and maintains BOM EXCEL spreadsheets.
- Prepares reports to Pricing, Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality Assurance using EXCEL and CES.
- Performs or assists with pre-award, post-award and fact finding audits.
- Basic understanding of FAR regulations relating to the BOM.
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
- Expected to maintain a productive and safe working environment in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
- Performs other duties as assigned or required.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree and three or more years of experience in finance, accounting, or business administration in a manufacturing environment. Equivalent experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
- Must have a general knowledge and competence in the concepts, principles, and standard practices for cost and pricing within government contracting.
- Must have experience negotiating and working in government contracting environment and be able to analyze and solve a variety of moderately complex costing problems.
- Must have good interpersonal skills and communication skills, both verbal and written and be computer literate with knowledge of computer applications relevant to the position, including spreadsheet applications.
- Excellent Excel and other M/S Office PC skills.
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment is essential.
- Must be able to work extended hours when required.
Job Category
Contracts/Sub Contracts/Purchasing
Experience Level
Mid-Level (3-7 years)
Workstyle
Onsite
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time Salary
Pay Range Low
59,000
Pay Range High
94,625
Travel Percentage Required
0% - 25%
Relocation Assistance Provided?
No
US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Clearance Required?
No
Search Jobs at | General Atomics and Affiliated Companies
See All 22 Senior Cost Estimator Jobs in California
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Find Senior Cost Estimator JobsSenior Cost Estimator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Cost Estimator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior cost estimator jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related technical field
- Five or more years of estimating experience on commercial, civil, or industrial projects
- Proficiency in estimating software such as HCSS, Timberline, or Bluebeam Revu
- Demonstrated ability to lead bid preparation and manage full estimate lifecycle
- Strong knowledge of California labor, subcontractor, and material cost structures
- CCE or CPE certification from AACE International preferred or required by many employers
Senior Cost Estimator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior cost estimator in California?
The path to a senior cost estimator role in California typically starts with a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field, followed by several years of progressive estimating experience in a California market. There is no state-issued license for estimators in California, but most employers expect AACE International certification such as the CCE or CPE. Gaining experience on California-specific project types like public works, transit, or high-density commercial construction accelerates advancement.
How much do senior cost estimators make in California?
Senior cost estimators in California earn a median of about $85,460 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $51,750 for the lowest 10% to over $150,790 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior cost estimators in California?
Employers hiring senior cost estimators in California right now include Turner & Townsend, General Atomics, and OCMI, Inc. (O'Connor Construction Management), based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's volume of large public infrastructure programs, defense contracts, and commercial development keeps demand for experienced estimators steady across both general contractors and owner-side organizations.
Which California cities have the most senior cost estimator jobs?
The cities with the most senior cost estimator openings in California are Los Angeles, San Diego, and Cupertino. Los Angeles and San Diego drive volume through large-scale transportation, defense, and commercial construction programs, while the San Francisco Bay Area concentrates demand around infrastructure, transit, and technology campus development, each drawing major contractors and engineering firms with permanent California operations.
Are there remote senior cost estimator jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields because cost estimating for construction and infrastructure frequently requires site visits, subcontractor meetings, and hands-on quantity takeoffs. About 38% of senior cost estimator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in preconstruction planning, owner-side program management, and defense cost analysis roles where the work is more analytical than field-dependent.
How can I get hired as a senior cost estimator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is an assistant or junior estimator role with a mid-size California general contractor or subcontractor, where you support senior staff on takeoffs and bid assembly while building field-specific knowledge. Large California construction firms including Hensel Phelps, McCarthy Building Companies, and Clark Construction run structured preconstruction or estimating rotational programs that accept candidates from construction management programs. Pursuing AACE's Certified Cost Technician credential and demonstrating proficiency in Bluebeam or On-Center software gives candidates without direct estimating experience a measurable advantage.
Where can I find and apply to senior cost estimator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior cost estimator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, specialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 22 Senior Cost Estimator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Cost Estimator Jobs