Cost Estimation and Specification Specialist

What We're Looking For:

Michael Baker is seeking an experienced Cost Estimation and Specification Specialist to support planning, design, and construction phases across a diverse portfolio of capital improvement projects. This role will prepare accurate cost estimates, specifications, budgets, and risk analyses for civil infrastructure, vertical, and facility improvement projects, including roadway, utility, building, and transportation work. 

What You'll Do:

• Develop detailed cost estimates for civil, infrastructure, and facility projects, including roadway, utilities, buildings, and transportation-related improvements.
• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction-level cost estimates.
• Analyze plans/specs to identify risks, assumptions, and cost drivers
• Draft and review technical specifications and standards
• Produce specifications that ensure transportation designs, materials, and operations comply with federal and state regulations, optimize supply chain efficiency, and minimize delivery or construction costs.
• Perform quantity take‑offs, unit pricing and cost benchmarking
• Support value engineering and cost optimization efforts throughout project development
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, designers, and clients
• Prepare cost reports, cash flow projections, and cost variance analyses.
• Assist with bid evaluations, contractor pricing reviews, and change order assessments.
• Maintain estimating databases and benchmark cost data across infrastructure and facility projects.
• Support compliance with project‑specific funding or regulatory requirements, as applicable. 

What You Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of cost estimating and specification experience for civil, infrastructure, utility, roadway, or vertical construction projects
• Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or ability to obtain certification
• Working knowledge of standard specifications, phasing considerations, and operational constraints for NY/NJ (NJDOT, NJTA, NYSDOT, etc.)
• Proficiency with estimating software and tools (e.g., Excel, Sage, RSMeans, or similar platforms)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and attention‑to‑detail skills

Compensation:

The approximate compensation range for this position is $85,000-$110,000. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting.  Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.