Entry Level Senior Cost Estimator Jobs
New grad senior cost estimator jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong portfolio of takeoff work or a construction internship can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Construction & Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Consulting & Professional Services, with employers like Schell Brothers, Parametrix, and Trinity Industries hiring at this level now.
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INTRODUCTION
TrinityRail is searching for a Cost Estimator in Shell Rock, IA!
In this role, the Cost Estimator is responsible for conducting in-coming, in-process and outbound inspections of railcars. This individual determines materials required for repairs and estimates repair costs based on AAR regulations and customer specifications. Acts as a liaison between customers and maintenance/repair facility. Prepares documentation necessary to support AAR regulations and customer invoicing.
Join our Team today and be a part of Delivering Goods for the Good of All!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Exhibit Trinity Core Values and TrinityRail Maintenance Services 3 Ts (take care of our people, trust, and transparency)
- Conducts incoming and in process inspections of railcars to determine and monitor repairs
- Participates in assessing the condition of railcars and determining their ability to meet compliance standards
- Works with customer representatives and railroad personnel as required
- Prepares estimates of repair costs, including parts, materials, and labor for submittal to customers. Consults with customers regarding repairs and reviews final billings
- Requisitions repair parts and materials
- Prepares and maintains records and documentation pertaining to repairs to include invoices, AAR billing repair cards, and testing documentation
- Knowledge of Association of American Railroads (AAR) and TrinityRail codes, standards and regulations applicable to the fabrication, repair and operation of railcars
- Ability to use tools, gauges, measuring devices and test equipment necessary for the inspection process
- Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
- Ability to interface effectively with shop personnel and customers
- Additional duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school education (or equivalent) required
- Ability to interface/communicate with all levels of the organization
- Some mechanical aptitude required
- Experience using Microsoft 365 and other systems required
- Flexibility working overtime hours as needed
- Team player required
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Rail experience preferred but not required
LOCATION
Shell Rock, IA
INTRODUCTION
TrinityRail is searching for a Cost Estimator in Shell Rock, IA!
In this role, the Cost Estimator is responsible for conducting in-coming, in-process and outbound inspections of railcars. This individual determines materials required for repairs and estimates repair costs based on AAR regulations and customer specifications. Acts as a liaison between customers and maintenance/repair facility. Prepares documentation necessary to support AAR regulations and customer invoicing.
Join our Team today and be a part of Delivering Goods for the Good of All!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Exhibit Trinity Core Values and TrinityRail Maintenance Services 3 Ts (take care of our people, trust, and transparency)
- Conducts incoming and in process inspections of railcars to determine and monitor repairs
- Participates in assessing the condition of railcars and determining their ability to meet compliance standards
- Works with customer representatives and railroad personnel as required
- Prepares estimates of repair costs, including parts, materials, and labor for submittal to customers. Consults with customers regarding repairs and reviews final billings
- Requisitions repair parts and materials
- Prepares and maintains records and documentation pertaining to repairs to include invoices, AAR billing repair cards, and testing documentation
- Knowledge of Association of American Railroads (AAR) and TrinityRail codes, standards and regulations applicable to the fabrication, repair and operation of railcars
- Ability to use tools, gauges, measuring devices and test equipment necessary for the inspection process
- Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
- Ability to interface effectively with shop personnel and customers
- Additional duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school education (or equivalent) required
- Ability to interface/communicate with all levels of the organization
- Some mechanical aptitude required
- Experience using Microsoft 365 and other systems required
- Flexibility working overtime hours as needed
- Team player required
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Rail experience preferred but not required
LOCATION
Shell Rock, IA
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Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
Entry Level Senior Cost Estimator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level senior cost estimator job?
Employers hiring at the entry level typically look for candidates with coursework or hands-on exposure in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field, plus familiarity with quantity takeoffs and estimating software like Bluebeam or PlanSwift. A completed internship, a capstone project with real cost data, or even volunteer work on a construction site gives you a concrete edge over candidates who only have coursework to show.
Which companies hire entry level senior cost estimators?
Companies hiring entry level senior cost estimators right now include Schell Brothers, Parametrix, and Trinity Industries, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. General contractors, specialty subcontractors, and engineering and construction management firms tend to be the most active employers at this level, since they have steady project pipelines that require building out estimating teams from the ground up.
Are there remote entry level senior cost estimator jobs?
Yes, though most entry level roles in this field are on-site or hybrid given the hands-on nature of early-career estimating work. About 25% of entry level senior cost estimator openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, so candidates who need flexibility should filter specifically for those posting types rather than assuming the majority of openings offer it.
Are these new grad senior cost estimator jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior roles in cost estimating. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internships or academic project work in place of full-time history, or calls out a degree in construction, engineering, or a related field as the core qualification rather than requiring a demonstrated portfolio of completed bids.
Which industries hire the most entry level senior cost estimators?
Entry Level senior cost estimator roles concentrate in Construction & Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Consulting & Professional Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. These sectors drive entry level hiring because project volume creates a consistent need for junior estimators who can support senior staff on takeoffs, vendor quotes, and bid preparation before taking on independent scopes.