Cost Estimator, Construction Management & Engineering Support Services (CM&E SS), U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), Multiple Locations, (Proposal Position)
Role Overview
The Cost Estimator provides professional cost estimating and cost analysis services supporting OBO's worldwide facilities design and construction program.
The Cost Estimator develops, reviews, and validates construction cost estimates throughout project planning, design, procurement, and construction phases to support project budgeting, funding decisions, risk evaluation, and overall program execution.
This position works closely with project managers, engineers, construction managers, and government personnel to ensure cost estimates accurately reflect project scope, schedule, market conditions, and project risks.
Full Job Posting
Why Tetra Tech
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges.
Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.
For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.
Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.
Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world.
Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Proposal Summary
The OBO Construction Management & Engineering Support Services (CM&E SS) contract provides professional construction management, engineering, inspection, project controls, scheduling, risk management, cost estimating, and related technical services supporting OBO's worldwide facilities design and construction program.
Services may be performed at OBO headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, at domestic support locations, or at overseas diplomatic facilities during project planning, design, and construction phases.
The contract supports the delivery, renovation, modernization, assessment, and maintenance of U.S. diplomatic facilities worldwide, including embassies, consulates, annexes, utility infrastructure, and other secure government facilities.
Please note: Only U.S. citizens with a current Secret security clearance are eligible to apply.
Position Summary
The Cost Estimator provides professional cost estimating and cost analysis services supporting OBO's worldwide facilities design and construction program.
The Cost Estimator develops, reviews, and validates construction cost estimates throughout project planning, design, procurement, and construction phases to support project budgeting, funding decisions, risk evaluation, and overall program execution.
This position works closely with project managers, engineers, construction managers, and government personnel to ensure cost estimates accurately reflect project scope, schedule, market conditions, and project risks.
Responsibilities
- Develop Independent Government Estimates (IGEs) for construction, renovation, repair, and infrastructure projects.
- Prepare conceptual, parametric, schematic, design-development, and detailed construction cost estimates.
- Review contractor proposals, bids, change order requests, and Requests for Equitable Adjustments (REAs).
- Analyze construction costs, labor rates, material pricing, equipment costs, and market conditions.
- Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and design documents.
- Develop cost models, cost databases, and historical cost information to support project planning and budgeting.
- Support risk assessments and contingency analyses related to project costs.
- Evaluate cost impacts associated with design changes, scope modifications, and schedule adjustments.
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, project controls personnel, construction managers, and government stakeholders.
- Prepare cost reports, estimates, analyses, and executive briefings.
- Support value engineering studies and constructability reviews.
- Maintain cost estimating documentation in accordance with OBO requirements.
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or a closely related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
- Minimum seven (7) years of experience in construction cost estimating, cost engineering, project controls, construction management, or related functions on active vertical construction projects.
- Possess a minimum Final Secret Security Clearance.
- Demonstrated experience preparing and reviewing construction cost estimates.
- Knowledge of construction means and methods, cost estimating methodologies, and cost analysis techniques.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred
- Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), or similar certification.
- Experience supporting federal construction programs.
- Experience supporting overseas construction projects.
- Experience developing Independent Government Estimates (IGEs).
- Experience supporting embassies, consulates, secure government facilities, or other complex vertical construction projects.
Life At Tetra Tech
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
· Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
· Merit-based financial rewards.
· Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
· Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
· Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
About Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide.
With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science ® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers.
Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs
Stabilization (International Development)
Job Details Job: International Development Primary Location: United States-Virginia Organization: 174 PRT Job Posting: Oct 6, 2026, 12:33:48 PM Job Closing Date: Ongoing
About Tetra Tech
Global provider of consulting and engineering services.
Visit company websiteJobs and hiring trendsApply for this job in 1 click
Skip the repetitive application forms
Install the Base Career Chrome Extension and autofill job applications across major job boards with your profile.
Trusted by over 500,000 job seekers on Base Career
More from this employer
More jobs at Tetra Tech
Senior Dam Safety Engineer in Bellevue, Washington, United States
Bellevue, USA
Senior Dam Safety Engineer in Seattle, Washington, United States
Seattle, USA
Electrical Engineer, PE in Orlando, Florida, United States
Orlando, USA
Treasury Analyst (Hybrid) in Pasadena, California, United States
Pasadena, USA
Apprentice Asbestos Analyst and Surveyor
London, GBR
Tetra Tech is seeking an apprentice to develop specialist skills in asbestos surveying, air monitoring and analytical work. The role combines a 12-month Level 3 apprenticeship with mentored site experience; applicants ne
Automation Technician 14x14 (Three Rivers, TX) in Texas, United States
Three Rivers, USA
Automation EI&C Discipline Manager in Arvada, Colorado, United States
Arvada, USA
Staff Scientist/Geologist – Entry Level in Austin, Texas, United States
Austin, USA
Senior Dam Safety Engineer in Bellevue, Washington, United States
Bellevue, USA
Senior Dam Safety Engineer in Seattle, Washington, United States
Seattle, USA
Electrical Engineer, PE in Orlando, Florida, United States
Orlando, USA
Treasury Analyst (Hybrid) in Pasadena, California, United States
Pasadena, USA
Apprentice Asbestos Analyst and Surveyor
London, GBR
Automation Technician 14x14 (Three Rivers, TX) in Texas, United States
Three Rivers, USA
Automation EI&C Discipline Manager in Arvada, Colorado, United States
Arvada, USA
Staff Scientist/Geologist – Entry Level in Austin, Texas, United States
Austin, USA