TN Visa Senior Cost Estimator Jobs
Senior Cost Estimator roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA treaty's Engineers category, provided you hold a relevant engineering or construction management degree. Canadian citizens can secure TN status by presenting employer documentation at the border or port of entry. Mexican citizens require a consular appointment. Employers prepare a support letter to facilitate your TN application.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany 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 programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.
Our capabilities include programme, 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 programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.
Job Description
Turner & Townsend is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to support a global technology client on innovative retail construction projects in Cupertino, California. This role will be responsible for developing accurate and detailed cost estimates, ensuring financial feasibility from pre-construction through project completion.
The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of construction cost drivers, and the ability to collaborate effectively with project teams, contractors, and clients.
This is a hybrid role, requiring onsite presence three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday) at the client’s Cupertino campus.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare accurate and detailed cost estimates for retail construction projects, including new builds, remodels, tenant improvements, and renovations.
- Interpret drawings and specifications to assess scope and apply knowledge of materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
- Identify and quantify all direct and indirect costs, including site work, building systems, and finishes.
- Perform value engineering to help clients meet budget goals without compromising quality.
- Develop and maintain cost databases using historical pricing and industry trends.
- Assist in soliciting and reviewing subcontractor and supplier bids.
- Analyze bid proposals and contracts to identify discrepancies or inconsistencies.
- Prepare cost analysis reports and present findings to clients and senior management.
- Monitor construction costs throughout the project lifecycle to ensure budget adherence.
- Provide regular updates on cost status and potential financial risks.
- Assist in forecasting and managing project cash flow.
- Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to align scope and cost.
- Attend project meetings and provide input on cost management and budget changes.
- Maintain detailed records of estimates, change orders, and documentation for auditing.
- Prepare and submit formal reports, including budget summaries and variance analyses.
- Identify and assess cost risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Stay current on industry trends, economic factors, and regulatory changes.
- SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in cost estimating within retail construction or related sectors (e.g., commercial, hospitality, institutional).
- Deep understanding of cost estimation, including materials, labor, and specialized systems in retail environments.
- Knowledge of local construction codes, regulations, and industry standards.
- Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., ProEst, Buildertrend, Procore, Bluebeam).
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Estimator certification (e.g., AACE, ASPE) is a plus.
Additional Information
The salary range for this full-time role is $140K-$155K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate’s experience and qualifications.
On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs
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 programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.
Our capabilities include programme, 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 programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.
Job Description
Turner & Townsend is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to support a global technology client on innovative retail construction projects in Cupertino, California. This role will be responsible for developing accurate and detailed cost estimates, ensuring financial feasibility from pre-construction through project completion.
The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of construction cost drivers, and the ability to collaborate effectively with project teams, contractors, and clients.
This is a hybrid role, requiring onsite presence three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday) at the client’s Cupertino campus.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare accurate and detailed cost estimates for retail construction projects, including new builds, remodels, tenant improvements, and renovations.
- Interpret drawings and specifications to assess scope and apply knowledge of materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
- Identify and quantify all direct and indirect costs, including site work, building systems, and finishes.
- Perform value engineering to help clients meet budget goals without compromising quality.
- Develop and maintain cost databases using historical pricing and industry trends.
- Assist in soliciting and reviewing subcontractor and supplier bids.
- Analyze bid proposals and contracts to identify discrepancies or inconsistencies.
- Prepare cost analysis reports and present findings to clients and senior management.
- Monitor construction costs throughout the project lifecycle to ensure budget adherence.
- Provide regular updates on cost status and potential financial risks.
- Assist in forecasting and managing project cash flow.
- Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to align scope and cost.
- Attend project meetings and provide input on cost management and budget changes.
- Maintain detailed records of estimates, change orders, and documentation for auditing.
- Prepare and submit formal reports, including budget summaries and variance analyses.
- Identify and assess cost risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Stay current on industry trends, economic factors, and regulatory changes.
- SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in cost estimating within retail construction or related sectors (e.g., commercial, hospitality, institutional).
- Deep understanding of cost estimation, including materials, labor, and specialized systems in retail environments.
- Knowledge of local construction codes, regulations, and industry standards.
- Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., ProEst, Buildertrend, Procore, Bluebeam).
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Estimator certification (e.g., AACE, ASPE) is a plus.
Additional Information
The salary range for this full-time role is $140K-$155K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate’s experience and qualifications.
On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs
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 26+ Senior Cost Estimator jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Senior Cost Estimator roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a Senior Cost Estimator
Align your credentials to the Engineers category
TN classification for Senior Cost Estimators typically falls under Engineers. Gather your engineering or construction management degree transcripts and any professional licensure now. A degree mismatch is the leading cause of TN denial at the port of entry.
Target employers experienced with visa sponsorship
Search for employers with recent visa filings in cost estimation and construction management roles. Companies experienced with visa sponsorship processes tend to move faster through work authorization and are less likely to back out.
Request a support letter that specifies your role
Your employer's TN support letter must describe the position as requiring engineering-level judgment, not just administrative estimating tasks. Vague job descriptions that omit technical scope are a common reason CBP officers request additional documentation at the border.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for TN-sponsoring employers
Filter your job search through Migrate Mate to surface Senior Cost Estimator openings where employers have recent visa filings and experience with work visa sponsorship. This cuts the time spent cold-applying to companies unfamiliar with USMCA work authorization.
Prepare for Mexican nationals' consular appointment timeline
If you're a Mexican citizen, factor in consular processing time when negotiating your start date with the employer. Unlike Canadian citizens who can obtain TN status same-day at a port of entry, you'll need a visa appointment that may add several weeks.
Confirm your offer letter covers all CBP requirements
Before traveling to the port of entry, verify your offer letter states the professional capacity, proffered wage, and intended duration. Missing one of these elements can result in a secondary inspection or outright refusal of TN admission by CBP.
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Find Senior Cost Estimator JobsSenior Cost Estimator TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Senior Cost Estimator qualify for TN visa sponsorship?
Yes, but the classification depends on how the role is framed. CBP must see the position as requiring engineering-level expertise, not generalized project coordination. Employers should describe duties involving technical cost modeling, quantity takeoffs, and engineering judgment in both the offer letter and any supporting documentation to support TN classification under the Engineers category.
How does TN visa sponsorship compare to H-1B for this role?
TN has no annual lottery and no cap for Canadian citizens, so you're not waiting on a random selection that H-1B requires. Processing can happen at the port of entry for Canadians on the same day. The trade-off is that TN status is employer-tied and non-dual-intent, which limits green card planning. H-1B allows dual intent and is more flexible for long-term immigration strategy.
Where can I find Senior Cost Estimator jobs with TN sponsorship?
Most general job boards don't filter for TN visa eligibility, so you'll waste time applying to employers unfamiliar with USMCA work authorization. Migrate Mate is built to surface roles at employers with recent visa filings—a strong indicator they understand work visa sponsorship processes. This is particularly useful for specialty roles like Senior Cost Estimator, where fewer companies actively recruit across the Canadian and Mexican border.
Can my employer sponsor TN status if they've never done it before?
Yes. Unlike H-1B, TN does not require the employer to file a petition with USCIS for Canadian citizens. The employer prepares a support letter and you present it at the port of entry. For Mexican citizens, the employer's documentation is submitted as part of the consular application. First-time TN sponsors often need guidance on drafting a compliant support letter that satisfies CBP requirements.
What happens to my TN status if I change employers as a Senior Cost Estimator?
TN status is tied to a specific employer and position. If you accept a new offer, you need a new TN authorization before you can begin work for the new employer. Canadian citizens can get this at a port of entry with new documentation. Mexican citizens must return to a consulate. There is no portability provision under TN the way there is under H-1B after an I-140 is approved.
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