STV is seeking a Senior Estimator to join our Project Controls team in our Folsom, CA office. This role will support a growing portfolio of complex infrastructure, transportation, and capital improvement projects across Northern California and beyond.
The Senior Estimator will serve as a key contributor to cost planning and estimating efforts across all phases of project delivery—from early conceptual development through final design and construction. This individual will work closely with project managers, engineers, designers, and external stakeholders to develop accurate, defensible cost estimates and support overall project financial performance.
This is a senior-level individual contributor role requiring strong technical expertise, leadership within the estimating function, and the ability to operate independently on complex assignments. This aligns with your internal positioning where Senior Estimator represents your highest IC level in the job family.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Estimating & Analysis
Lead the development of detailed cost estimates across all project phases, including conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction
Perform quantity take-offs, cost modeling, and pricing analysis based on drawings, specifications, and project requirements
Develop and maintain estimating databases, benchmarks, and cost models
Project Controls Integration
Collaborate with project controls, scheduling, and cost management teams to ensure alignment between schedules, budgets, and forecasts
Analyze cost risk, contingencies, and escalation factors to support accurate project budgeting
Support change management, including pricing of scope changes and evaluation of cost impacts
Stakeholder Coordination
Interface with clients, designers, engineers, contractors, and consultants to validate assumptions and ensure estimate accuracy
Review and evaluate cost estimates prepared by third-party consultants or contractors and provide independent recommendations
Participate in design reviews, cost workshops, and client presentations
Procurement & Negotiation Support
Support procurement strategies by developing bid packages and cost opinions
Assist in contractor negotiations and review bid submissions for completeness and competitiveness
Provide estimating support during contract execution and project delivery
Leadership & Mentorship
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior estimators and project controls staff
Support continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and standards
Contribute to business development efforts by supporting proposals and cost strategies
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
10+ years of progressive estimating experience supporting construction or infrastructure projects
Demonstrated experience developing detailed cost estimates across multiple project phases
Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and cost drivers
Experience performing quantity take-offs and cost analysis from technical documents
Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Strong communication skills with the ability to interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting transportation, aviation, or large-scale infrastructure projects
Experience working with public agencies, DOTs, or capital programs
Familiarity with cost estimating tools and project controls systems
Experience with design-build, CM/GC, or alternative delivery methods
Professional certifications (e.g., AACE CCP, PSP, or similar)
Compensation Range:
$102,094.36 - $116,679.27
STV offers the following benefits • Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account • Dental insurance • Vision insurance • Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable) • Disability insurance • Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment • 401(k) Plan • Retirement Counseling • Employee Assistance Program • Paid Time Off (starting at 16 days) • Paid Holidays (9 days) • Back-Up Dependent Care (up to 10 days per year) • Parental Leave (up to 80 hours) • Continuing Education Program • Professional Licensure and Society Memberships
STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV’s good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications.
Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV’s work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don’t always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.

STV offers professional services for the infrastructure that powers our lives. We are experts in transportation systems, building design, water systems and other essential infrastructure.
Harnessing national expertise to solve local challenges, STV works with public and private sector clients to make communities better – now and for the future.