Senior Cost Estimator - Panama

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimator to support the Panama pursuit and provide cost, commercial, and project controls expertise to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP).

This role will support the review, development, monitoring, and control of project costs throughout the bid, design, construction, and contract administration phases. The successful candidate will bring strong experience in cost estimating, forecasting, change management, claims analysis, and the integration of cost and schedule data for complex infrastructure or construction programs. As a Senior Cost Estimator, you will assist and advise the ACP on cost management activities associated with the RIR Contract.

• Advise the ACP on contingency development, budget documentation, and resource allocation requirements during the bid stage.
• Review and assess bid documents for budget development, productivity evaluation, and cost‑loading methodologies.
• Track project‑level cost, schedule, and budget requirements for assigned construction activities while coordinating with project‑level controls personnel.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor budgets, cost estimates, historical and prospective cash flows, and cost‑trend analyses.
• Establish a systematic approach to tracking critical project issues to maintain budgetary control and minimize the risk of cost overruns.
• Review cash‑flow analyses and identify recommended financial commitments for ACP approval, as required.
• Assist the ACP in reviewing cost estimates for conceptual design, potential variations, value engineering, and other cost‑related documentation required under the RIR Contract.
• Evaluate estimating assumptions, pricing strategies, constructability, cost reasonableness, and change‑order proposals.
• Assist with the development and review of resource‑loaded work breakdown structures and cost breakdown structures required during the bid stage.
• Provide specialized expertise in the valuation of claims, including cost analysis, forensic accounting, and quantum assessment.
• Apply recognized, traceable, and consistent methodologies suitable for contractual negotiations and dispute‑resolution proceedings.
• Support the evaluation and quantification of cost impacts resulting from changes, variations, delays, and claims.
• Participate in cost‑related dispute analysis, negotiations, and resolution activities.
• Assist with cost‑risk analysis and forecasting, including the identification of uncertainties and development of risk‑informed cost projections.
• Support the integration of cost and schedule data, including earned value analysis and performance monitoring.
• Assist in reviewing applications for payment to confirm alignment with validated progress and applicable contractual provisions.
• Perform forensic and detailed cost reviews, including validation of cost components, source data, and supporting records.
• Conduct structured benchmarking of cost estimates and pricing elements against industry data and comparable projects.
• Prepare clear, well‑supported cost reports, analyses, recommendations, and other documentation for client and project leadership review.
• Collaborate with commercial, scheduling, contracts, engineering, construction, and project management professionals to support effective project controls.

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, quantity surveying, finance, accounting, project…