Cost Engineer - Luster National
Norwalk, CA
About the Job
Who is Luster National?
Luster National, Inc. (Luster) is a strategic consulting firm, headquartered in Mill Valley, CA, with offices nationwide, that specializes in management consulting services and program, project, and construction management activities. For over 34 years, we have led projects across the US focusing on various sectors including roads and bridges, transit, aviation, and select vertical work. Our values, refined over decades, highlight client focus, professional integrity, and social responsibility.
We're proud to share that our firm and its management systems are ISO 9001:2015 certified! We have a successful track record spanning a broad spectrum of professional services, including:
- Strategic Consulting and Planning Services
- Program, Project, Construction and Facilities Management
- Environmental Consulting
- Quality and Risk Management
- Stakeholder Alignment
- Program Controls and Document Management
- Utility and ROW
- Construction Management Related Services
- Public/Community Outreach
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Workforce Development
Why Luster?
At Luster, we believe that our employees are the heart of our success. We recognize that each team member is not only a professional but a person with diverse roles and responsibilities both within and outside the workplace. Our culture reflects this understanding, fostering an environment where individuals are supported holistically—personally, professionally, and creatively. We understand that our success is directly tied to the well-being and development of our people. This is why we are committed to creating a workplace that values the whole person—embracing who they are, what they bring, and how they can grow. By doing so, we ensure that our team members are not just employees, but empowered individuals who contribute to the collective success of our company and the communities we serve.
About the Position
We are seeking a skilled Cost Estimator to oversee cost estimating and analysis activities for our diverse range of projects. In this role, you will provide direction for all estimating processes, ensuring a complete understanding of project scope by collaborating closely with our team. Your expertise will be vital in preparing comprehensive reports, representing our organization in meetings with government agencies, and conducting training for estimating resources.
Responsibilities
- Provides direction and oversight of the cost estimating and cost/price analysis activities, methods, and processes for all projects bid.
- Reviews project plans and specifications and coordinates with the team to confirm complete scope.
- Develops, establishes, and manages the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, standardized procedures, and work standards for the cost estimating function.
- Assists in the development and modification of long- and short-range transit plans.
- Directs the preparation and administration of the division budget for area of responsibility.
- Confers with management regarding cost estimating and cost/price analysis.
- Analyzes complaints occurring in performance of cost estimates and cost/price analysis.
- Develops strategies to resolve potential problems on major cost estimates and cost/price analysis.
- Represents in meetings with representatives of governmental agencies and professional and business organizations.
- Schedules and participates in scope definition and fact-finding meetings.
- Negotiates resolution of cost estimating and pricing issues; develops change orders.
- Prepares comprehensive reports and correspondence.
- Develops, manages, and conducts training for estimating resources.
- Communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees.
Skills and Attributes
- Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Possess excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills.
- Possess excellent collaboration skills.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
- 5+ years of relevant experience working directly on the design and construction of large or major civil or facilities projects as a construction cost estimator.
- Experience utilizing Construction Estimating and Construction Bidding Software (e.g., Sage Timberline, Heavy Bid, On-Screen Take Off, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications
- California Professional Engineering (PE) License Preferred.
- Experience applying high level cost estimating in capital construction projects.
- Experience negotiating with contractors to meet set goals, budgets, and deadlines.
- Experience applying heavy civil construction methods, such as soldier pile, lagging excavation support systems, and temporary street decking systems.
- Experience managing and directing the work of cost estimators.
Compensation Details
The salary range listed for this role is $120k-$175k. The final salary offered is based on multiple factors and is thoughtfully aligned with each candidate's level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, etc.
Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!
- Unlimited Flexible Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent/Elder Care)
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
- 401(k) Plan with Guaranteed Employer Contribution
- Formal Career Planning and Development Program
- $2,500 Annually Towards Professional Development
- Wellness Program with Monthly Wellness Stipend
- Company Cell Phone or Cell Phone Plan Reimbursement
- Personalized Meal Planning & Nutrition Support with a Registered Dietitian
- Financial Planning Services
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Discounts
- Employee Referral Bonus #IN-LNJS
Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.
All positions may be subject to a background check, once a conditional offer of employment is made, for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations. All positions are subject to a drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.
This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.
Please email hiring@luster.com for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.
