Senior Cost Estimator / Planner/Inspector/Analyst III

Working/Functional Title

Senior Cost Estimator

Position Summary

Salary- $96,400 - $117,800 annually depending on experience. MSU Benefits - Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; Generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time; Eligible to work a partial remote schedule. 

This position will develop cost estimates for alterations, new construction, and conceptual designs on independent systems. They will support project managers and campus stakeholders by preparing thorough estimates by updating records with current market information and trends. They will review consultant plans and estimates to ensure compliance with MSU construction standards. Completes plan reviews for outside consultants' work and offer suggestions or improvements for estimates and project plans. They will support project managers with estimates within the Building Services team and will communicate industry trends and significant impacts on a department level.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• 40% Establishing and optimizing procedures for accurate project estimation. including a standardized budget tracking system. Managing and implementing a comprehensive estimating database and maintaining consistent estimation methods, such as pay item tracking templates and historical data-driven models from historical and industry data.
• 25% Provide cost leadership for the Planning Design and Construction teams to support capital projects. Collaborating with project teams to develop cost estimates, factoring in the interrelationship of project scope, milestones, labor materials, equipment, productivity, and schedules.
• 20% Evaluating project budgets at key milestones (SD, DD, CD) for accuracy and completeness, and supporting value engineering and budget reconciliation efforts, and conducting periodic reviews of change order requests to verify accuracy, completeness, and justification.
• 15% Conducting cost escalation forecasts and analyzing construction market trends including materials, labor, and equipment, to advise leadership and project managers on potential time and cost implications. This position requires proactive collaboration with project managers, discipline experts, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate estimations and reliable budget tracking. It also involves evaluating and analyzing data and metrics to continuously improve estimating accuracy and overall project outcomes.

Regular attendance is required to meet business and customer needs. 
This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship.

This search includes two separate postings for Planner/Inspector/Analyst II (Cost Estimator) and Planner/Inspector/Analyst III (Senior Cost Estimator). Applicants who meet the qualifications for both levels and wish to be considered for both positions must apply to each posting. Applying to only one posting will limit consideration to that posting.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Science, or a related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in construction, supervision and management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator’s license at the time of hire will be required for this position. Must drive University vehicle to perform the duties of this classification and meet the Universities rigorous safe driving standards. 

Desired Qualifications

Five to eight years of experience in a related field. Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.

Experience in reading and interpreting construction drawings and specifications. Knowledge of construction methods and materials including associated costs. Experience presenting technical content to a wide variety of audience members; expert experience using Microsoft 365 software programs is desired (including word, excel, office, power point, etc.). Professional certification related to Cost Estimation, such as: AACE CCP, CEP, PSP, PRMP, EVP, or PMI Equivalent Certification is desired.

A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; able to solve problems within a collaborative team environment; ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter and resume required.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment, and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding Eligibility ends August 18, 2026, at 11:55 PM

Advertised: Aug 12, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 25, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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