Estimator IV
AI Summary
Prepares, reviews, and evaluates construction cost estimates for MEP systems on educational facilities projects, performing quantity takeoffs, analyzing contractor bids and change orders, and providing cost recommendations to project leadership.
About this role
Estimator IV (MEP) – Los Angeles, CA
Full-Time | On-Site | Los Angeles, CA
Why CMTS
Every day at CMTS, our team delivers infrastructure projects that positively impact lives and communities. With over 42 years of industry experience, CMTS has built a strong foundation for continued success, providing project and construction management services to public and private clients nationwide.
We value our employees by fostering a culture of learning, professional development, and collaboration. CMTS is committed to maintaining a work environment that emphasizes safety, integrity, and accountability while supporting work-life balance and employee well-being. Our teams are empowered to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact through the projects we deliver.
About Your Role
CMTS is seeking an experienced Estimator IV (MEP) to support a major educational facilities capital improvement program in Los Angeles, CA.
The Estimator IV (MEP) is a senior-level estimating professional specializing in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) trades. This position will support the Program Management Office (PMO) and report to the Program Controls Manager and Lead Estimator.
The successful candidate will prepare, review, and evaluate construction cost estimates for buildings and structures; perform MEP quantity takeoffs; analyze contractor pricing and change orders; and provide cost recommendations to project leadership.
Responsibilities
- Plan and participate in the preparation of construction cost estimates for buildings and other structures using drawings, specifications, outlines, and other design documents.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates based on project design, scope, and building type.
- Perform material takeoffs and quantity surveys for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Review and evaluate cost-estimating deliverables prepared by consultants for accuracy, completeness, uniformity, and cost containment.
- Prepare independent fair-cost estimates for contractor proposals involving additional or changed work.
- Review contractor bids and compare them against construction cost estimates.
- Perform special cost studies and prepare reports when contractor bids vary significantly from established construction estimates.
- Conduct project and construction site visits to gather information necessary to develop accurate project estimates.
- Evaluate historical cost information, vendor pricing, and other supporting documentation to develop cost estimates and pricing recommendations.
- Review quotes, bids, change orders, value engineering reports, and claims for accuracy and completeness.
- Analyze factors affecting project cost, including materials, labor, equipment, overhead, and profit.
- Prepare technical evaluations, cost-estimating reports, memoranda, letters, and recommendations for management.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, architects, and other project stakeholders to identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving measures.
- Compare contractor proposals against independent estimates to identify cost discrepancies.
- Develop scopes of work based on Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Clarification (RFC), responses, drawings, and other project documentation.
- Independently estimate detailed costs associated with scopes of work without relying solely on contractor proposals.
- Perform estimating and analytical functions independently while contributing effectively within a fast-paced project team.
- Perform basic estimating calculations and cost analysis using Microsoft Excel.
- Perform other related estimating duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum of 10 years of recent professional experience preparing complete construction cost estimates for Type I, II, III, and/or V building construction.
- Minimum of 5–7 years of MEP estimating experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field.
- Additional qualifying professional experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
- Expert knowledge of cost-estimating theories, principles, practices, and contract pricing.
- Expert knowledge of Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, and Job Order Contracting (JOC).
- Comprehensive knowledge of building and structural construction methods.
- Comprehensive understanding of current local construction labor and material costs.
- Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, construction practices, and industry standards.
- Extensive experience developing scopes of work and estimates for construction change orders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of Prevailing Wage and Union Labor rates.
- Knowledge and use of NECA and MCAA labor productivity.
- Experience with RSMeans, Accubid, Trimble MEP, or Bluebeam Revu.
- Strong attention to detail and estimating accuracy.
- Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication and negotiation skills.
Required Skills
- MEP Cost Estimating
- Construction Cost Analysis
- Quantity Takeoffs
- Change Order Estimating
- Contractor Proposal Analysis
- Value Engineering
- Cost Control
- Construction Pricing
- Scope Development
- Design-Build
- Design-Bid-Build
- Job Order Contracting
- Microsoft Excel
- Bluebeam Revu
Salary :
$180,000 -190,000
Bonus Pay
A bonus may be granted to employees depending on individual performance, employee utilization, attendance, tenure, and furtherance of other non-financial corporate goals; bonus opportunities are available at management’s discretion.
Apply
CMTS LLC offers 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, 401k, life, and long-term disability insurance coverage for employees.
CMTS, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.
Skills
Explore related jobs
More jobs at CMTS LLC
- C
General Laborer ConstructionJacksonville, Florida - C
Construction Scheduler - Columbus, OHColumbus, Ohio - C
QA/QC Technical Reviewer- Structural – Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, California - C
Construction Project RepresentativeLos Angeles, California - C
Civil EngineerLos Angeles, California - C
Construction Engineer – Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, California
Similar Quantity Takeoffs jobs
Jobs in Los Angeles
- SOffice Support SpecialistSPS North America · Culver City, California
- RStaff Data Engineer - League of LegendsRiot Games · Los Angeles, USA
- TOffice & Travel CoordinatorTaboola · Los Angeles, California
- RAssistant Store Manager, Full Time - Beverly Hills, CAReformation · Los Angeles, California
- PStaff Product Manager, Measurement Partner OptimizationPinterest · San Francisco, CA
- STechnical Intern, Fire Protection Engineering Summer 2027Simpson Gumpertz & Heger · Los Angeles, California
Browse these categories
Market data for this role
All reports →- SeriesRole reportsOne role family at a time: how many openings, what changed this week, who is hiring, what it pays.
- SeriesSalary reportsWhat employers publish in job postings, by level and workplace. Not self-reported pay.
- Market overviewState of tech hiring, September 2026: up 4.8%Tech hiring rose 4.8% month over month in September 2026, with 411,122 new listings. Customer support and account executive roles led the growth.