Senior Cost Estimator, Transit​/Rail

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

We are looking for a driven and curious Senior Cost Estimator in Toronto to support major Transit and Rail projects. In this key role, you'll be responsible for preparing accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for rail projects. We'll lean on you to ensure quantity takeoff, pricing and parameter estimating, and supporting strategic decisions and client satisfaction. You'll also review design documents, proposals, specifications, drawings, attend design development meetings and assess the risk and cost impacts required to develop the estimates.

You'll collaborate with knowledgeable and supportive teams, as you prepare estimates by reviewing and comprehending scope documents, developing project work breakdown structures, calculating complete scope of work take-offs, assist contracts staff with statements of work for subcontractors and vendors, apply construction means and method. The role will be based in Toronto and embedded within Jacobs team delivering services to a regional rail client.

• Develop capital cost estimates for projects.
• Review contractor proposals for various procurement types.
• Interface with client team and stakeholders in the presentation of capital costs.
• Maintain organized and detailed files, project records and logs.
• Attend project meetings as required.
• Prepare Class 5 and Class 4 estimates for rail/transit projects, including track, guideway, stations, systems, utilities, and civil works.
• Develop quantity takeoffs, cost build-ups, and basis-of-estimate documentation.
• Review and challenge contractor and consultant Class 3 to Class 1 estimates for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with Progressive Design-Build processes.
• Support estimate reconciliation sessions and validate change orders and target-price adjustments.
• Provide benchmarking, variance analysis, and input to contingency and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with engineering, planning, procurement, commercial and PMO teams to validate cost inputs.
• Maintain current knowledge of market conditions, labour rates, materials pricing, and productivity in the rail/transit sector.
• Prepare concise estimate summaries and presentations for senior leadership and stage-gate approvals.

Design your career with a company that inspires and empowers you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow and succeed – today and into tomorrow.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or a related field.
• Professional certifications in construction estimating (e.g., from AACE or ASPE).
• Minimum 7+ years of experience with the complete estimate for a major capital construction project with a proven track record of successfully estimating projects of significant scale and complexity.
• Proven experience with estimate for a major capital construction project, within specific estimating experience in rapid rail and transit projects.
• Excellent working knowledge of industry trends with regards to new technologies, construction techniques, and market trends (material costs, labor trends).
• Excellent working knowledge of various types of civil construction contracts (e.g., Lump Sum, Cost Reimbursable, Unit Price, Target, Guaranteed Maximum Price, etc.).
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to be able to navigate within a dynamic work environment and adapt rapidly to changes.
• Strong knowledge of trackwork, civil structures, utilities, station construction, and transit systems.
• Experience reviewing and validating contractor estimates in Progressive Design-Build settings.
• Proficiency with estimating tools and interpreting engineering drawings/specifications. Excellent analytical, communication, and technical writing skills.
• Familiarity with AACE estimating classifications and cost assurance standards.

• Based on the ability for the…