Facilities Cost Estimator / Cost Engineer

The Building People, LLC, is seeking a full-time Facilities Cost Estimator / Cost Engineer to support facility maintenance, repair, and minor construction projects in Columbia, SC.

This role is ideal for an estimator with a background in either military facility operations (DPW, JOC, SABER) OR commercial facility maintenance, renovations, and tenant improvements (TI). You will act as a technical advisor, reviewing contractor proposals, developing independent cost estimates, and ensuring that all facility repairs and alterations are technically sound, cost-effective, and code-compliant.

Responsibilities/Duties

Proposal & Estimate Review

• Review and evaluate cost proposals submitted by contractors for facility maintenance, repair, and minor construction.
• Ensure estimates conform with client requirements, commercial building codes, or Army regulations.

Cost Estimate Development

• Develop Independent Government Estimates (IGEs) or detailed commercial cost estimates for repairs, remodeling, renovations, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) system upgrades.
• Estimate manpower, material costs, and project schedules/duration.

Technical Plan Review

• Review A/E drawings, blueprints, and specifications for feasibility and adherence to engineering fundamentals.
• Evaluate Preventative Maintenance Plans, Quality Assurance Plans, and as-built drawings.

Contract & Scoping Support

• Assist in drafting detailed Statements of Work (SOW), technical specifications, and preliminary sketches for contract modifications.
• Prepare design deficiency reports and contract adjustment recommendations.

Site Inspections

• Conduct periodic site visits and facility condition assessments to study building conditions and gather data for scopes of work and estimates.

*This position will not have supervisory responsibilities.

Required Experience & Skills

• 3+ years of experience in construction estimating, specifically focusing on facility renovations, repairs, tenant improvements (TI), or facility maintenance (FM).
• Practical experience developing detailed specifications, scopes of work, and project schedules.
• Working knowledge of MEP systems (HVAC, plumbing/piping, electrical, fire protection, and ventilation).
• Experience conducting building inspections or facility condition assessments.
• Familiarity with RSMeans or similar industry-standard estimating databases.
• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS / Maximo).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints/drawings; familiarity with AutoCAD or MicroStation is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review contractor proposals for cost reasonability.
• Ability to work independently, manage shifting timelines, and communicate professionally with both clients and contractors.

Education, Licenses, & Clearance

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of three (3) years of experience, OR five (5) plus years of equivalent combined education, training, and professional estimating experience.
• Clearance: Must be eligible for, or currently possess, a favorable National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) / Tier 1 background investigation in accordance with AR 380-67 (Required for base access and CAC issuance).
• License: Valid Driver’s License (required for local site visits).
• Preferred Certifications: Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), or LEED AP (Not Required).

Physical Demands - While performing site visits, the employee may be required to stand, walk, bend, or climb (stairs/ladders) for extended periods and occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment - Primarily a temperature-controlled office environment. Periodic site visits may expose the employee to outdoor weather conditions, active construction environments, and moderate noise levels.