Senior CSA Cost Estimator - Data Center Construction job at Turner & Townsend in San Francisco, CA
Title Senior CSA Cost Estimator - Data Center Construction Location San Jose, California, United States Employees can work remotely Full-time Department Real estate Company Description Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.
Job Description
Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimator to support a high‑profile client’s large‑scale, multi‑building data center campus programs. The role focuses on developing detailed civil, structural, and architectural (CSA) estimates for complex, innovative core‑and‑shell facilities. This position requires advanced estimating expertise, the ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced and evolving environments, and proven experience supporting multi‑phase delivery across major capital construction programs. This position is preferred to be based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a hybrid work schedule from Turner & Townsend’s San Francisco office. Remote candidates will be considered for the right individual, based on experience and program needs.
Responsibilities
Develop and manage cost plans and detailed estimates from concept through detailed design across multiple geographies; lead estimate reviews with internal and external teams. Present milestone cost updates (concept, schematic, DD, CD) and clearly communicate basis of estimate, assumptions, inclusions/exclusions, and risks. Lead quantity takeoffs and cost checks for complex, multi‑package CSA scopes; ensure alignment between scope, drawings/models, and estimate. Provide program‑level estimating for defined scopes, synthesizing inputs across multiple projects/campuses to support portfolio‑level decisions. Review contractor pricing (bids, pay applications, change orders); perform comparative assessments and prepare recommendations. Drive benchmarking and cost modeling; build, maintain, and apply historical cost data and metrics; support life‑cycle cost (LCC) analyses. Facilitate value engineering (VE); develop cost/benefit options and support feasibility and early‑stage cost modeling. Support procurement and preconstruction, including prequalification, bid list development, bid analysis, tender reporting, and contract documentation. Partner with cost management, procurement, and project controls to align estimating outputs with budgets, commercial strategy, and program‑level planning. Assess design evolutions and produce timely estimate updates at appropriate accuracy levels. Mentor and coordinate support staff; contribute to training materials, templates, and internal/external estimating tools. Prepare leadership‑ready content for client preconstruction and estimating presentations. SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role and must be adhered to where applicable.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction field. 6-7+ years of experience in construction estimating/cost management, including work on large‑scale programs. Data center or mission‑critical experience strongly preferred, including multi‑building campuses, greenfield developments, and major expansions. Proven expertise in conceptual estimating, quantity takeoff, and cost fundamentals across CSA scopes; MEP familiarity is a plus. Strong knowledge of construction procurement strategies and commercial contract structures. Demonstrated experience contributing to value engineering, feasibility analysis, and design/cost optimization. Excellent written, verbal, and client‑facing presentation skills; ability to distill complexity and support decision‑making. Highly organized with the ability to prioritize across multiple concurrent projects in fast‑paced environments. Proficiency in Microsoft Office; hands‑on experience with CostX (2D/3D takeoff, assemblies, workbooks) is advantageous; familiarity with AutoCAD or Navisworks preferred. Professional accreditation (e.g., RICS) or active progress toward certification is a plus. Additional Information
- On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs. The salary range for this role is $100K-$170K. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of the posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change. We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community. It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time. Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job
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