Cost Estimator

Freese and Nichols

Estimator developing reliable budgets and cost analyses for Freese and Nichols, a U.S. infrastructure planning and engineering firm.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeHouston • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in cost estimating processes, including labor, materials, and equipment analysis, while effectively collaborating with project teams and utilizing industry-standard software. Proficient in reading and interpreting technical documents and maintaining communication across estimating disciplines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cost EstimatingProject ManagementMechanical EstimatingElectrical EstimatingCost Database Maintenance

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Cost EstimatingLabor Take-OffMaterial Take-OffEquipment Take-OffChange Order EstimatesPreliminary EstimatesDefinitive EstimatesOrder-Of-Magnitude EstimatesBudget EvaluationCost Comparison Analysis

Soft Skills

CommunicationCollaborationInterpersonal Skills

Tools & Technologies

Cost Estimating SoftwareMicrosoft ProjectPrimavera

Industry Keywords

ConstructionEngineeringArchitectureFacilitiesTransportationWater/WastewaterHeavy CivilStructuralRequests for ProposalsSpecifications

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist with estimating all elements of project cost, including labor, materials, equipment, supplies, expenses, contingency, escalation, and program risk
Support multiple projects and project teams across project phases from inception through close-out
Use industry resources, cost databases, software systems, and standards to develop completed estimates
Assist the Lead Estimator with developing standard cost estimating processes companywide
Coordinate with construction management support resources to complete estimates
Work with Project Managers and other disciplines to evaluate budget appropriateness and prepare or coordinate full project estimates
Assist with estimates for conceptual, schematic design, design development, and construction document phases
Prepare detailed cost estimates, material, equipment, and labor take-offs, and cost comparison analyses using accepted industry methods

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction, or a related field, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, Requests for Proposals, and contracts
Ability to assist with order-of-magnitude, preliminary, definitive, change order, and check estimates using appropriate methods and techniques
Ability to use company and industry historical data to support cost estimates
Ability to maintain consistent communication with other estimators
Preferred experience in mechanical and electrical estimating
Knowledge of various cost estimating software
Knowledge of Microsoft Project
Knowledge of Primavera
Ability to support cost database maintenance
Ability to contribute across estimating disciplines including facilities, transportation, water/wastewater, heavy civil, and structural

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package
Paid overtime for salaried employees
Annual bonus
Access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico and Banner Elk, North Carolina
Flexible work environment with a hybrid schedule including up to 40% remote work
Alternative work schedule program providing a day off every other Friday