Senior Conceptual Estimator

Location: Houston, Austin, or San Antonio, TX

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: Primarily office-based; hybrid flexibility considered

Position Overview: Sunland Group, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimator to join our team. In this role, you will support our Project Management and Construction Management teams in meeting our clients' design-side estimating needs across a diverse portfolio of major capital improvement projects, ranging in value from $20 million to $850 million. Our projects span aviation, commercial, K–12, higher education, transportation, and public infrastructure markets. The Senior Cost Estimator will collaborate directly with project teams, architects, engineers, and owner representatives to develop comprehensive construction cost estimates at various stages of project development, from initial planning and conceptual design through detailed design and construction documentation. Your expertise will help establish reliable budgets, evaluate project feasibility, manage cost risks, and support informed decisions throughout the design process. We are seeking a well-rounded, multidisciplinary construction estimating professional with particular strength in electrical infrastructure, low-voltage systems, building automation, controls, and integrated technologies. Experience with SCADA systems is highly desirable. This is a hands-on technical position requiring independent judgment, extensive construction knowledge, and the ability to develop accurate, defensible estimates for complex projects across multiple disciplines.

Key Responsibilities: Develop comprehensive construction cost estimates from early project planning and feasibility through schematic design, design development, and construction documents. Prepare rough order of magnitude (ROM), parametric, assembly-based, and detailed quantity takeoff estimates. Evaluate architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and specialty systems to develop coordinated multidisciplinary estimates. Provide specialized estimating expertise for electrical distribution, low-voltage systems, telecommunications, security, building controls, and integrated technologies. Analyze drawings, specifications, project requirements, and available design information to establish accurate and defensible construction budgets. Evaluate labor, materials, equipment, productivity, escalation, contingencies, and regional construction market conditions. Participate in design reviews, value engineering exercises, cost reconciliation meetings, and budget validation discussions. Prepare independent estimates and reconcile cost differences with contractor and third-party estimates. Maintain historical cost databases, estimating benchmarks, and project cost information to improve estimating consistency and accuracy. Prepare professional estimating reports, supporting documentation, and cost presentations for internal teams and clients.

Required Qualifications: 10+ years of progressively responsible construction cost estimating experience on commercial, institutional, or infrastructure projects. Demonstrated ability to independently develop comprehensive multidisciplinary construction estimates. Strong technical knowledge of electrical construction, power distribution, and low-voltage or integrated systems. Experience preparing estimates at multiple design stages, including projects with limited or incomplete design information. Ability to interpret architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and technology-related drawings and specifications. Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labor productivity, cost databases, and estimating methodologies. Proficiency with professional estimating software e.g. CostOS, PlanSwift, RSMeans, or comparable estimating software and Microsoft Excel. Excellent analytical, organizational, written communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to independently manage multiple estimating assignments while maintaining accuracy, quality, and schedule commitments. Authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience estimating major capital projects valued at $20 million or more. Experience with aviation, airport facilities, K–12, higher education, transportation, or large commercial developments. Knowledge of SCADA, instrumentation, building automation, and advanced control systems. Experience working with owners, design professionals, engineering consultants, or PM/CM firms. Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline. Professional certifications such as CPE, CCP, or equivalent.

Working Environment & Expectations: Sunland's estimating professionals operate in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment supporting multiple projects and clients throughout Texas. The successful candidate will be expected to: Work primarily from a Sunland office in Houston, Austin, or San Antonio, with hybrid flexibility considered based on qualifications and business needs. Collaborate regularly with architects, engineers, project managers, and owner representatives, both virtually and in person. Independently manage estimating assignments, meet project deadlines, and maintain high standards of technical accuracy and professional accountability. Communicate estimating assumptions, cost risks, and recommendations clearly to internal teams and clients. Demonstrate initiative, sound professional judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Contribute to a supportive team environment built on technical excellence, collaboration, and client service.

Compensation & Benefits: Sunland Group offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including: Annual base salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Employer-paid medical and dental insurance.401(k) with dollar-for-dollar matching contributions up to 4%.Two weeks of paid vacation during the first year, with additional vacation benefits based on tenure. More than 70 hours of paid holidays. Opportunities for professional development and involvement in major capital improvement programs.

About Sunland Group: Founded in 1985, Sunland Group, Inc. is a multidisciplinary professional services firm providing program management, project management, construction management, architecture, engineering, and consulting services. Our estimating professionals play an important role in helping clients make informed capital investment decisions and delivering greater cost certainty throughout project development. Join Sunland Group and help deliver high-quality estimating services for some of Texas's most significant capital improvement projects.\nCompany DescriptionSunland Group, Inc. is a multidisciplinary company of professionals that was founded in 1985. We provide program and project management, engineering, architecture and construction management services for a variety of clients.

Company Description: Sunland Group, Inc. is a multidisciplinary company of professionals that was founded in 1985. We provide program and project management, engineering, architecture and construction management services for a variety of clients.