How to apply for Senior Estimator (Estimator IV)

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure leader known for delivering innovative, sustainable solutions across water, transportation, and environmental sectors. Working here means contributing to projects that build sustainable legacies, from complex water systems to climate resilience initiatives. The company's commitment to technical excellence and remote flexibility makes it an attractive destination for professionals seeking impactful, forward-thinking work.

About the role

As a Senior Estimator (Estimator IV) in AECOM's Water Business Line, you'll provide expert estimating knowledge for conveyance infrastructure, treatment, remediation, and construction projects. You'll be instrumental in predicting key project issues, evaluating business opportunities, and mentoring junior staff, all while representing AECOM in industry forums. This remote role directly supports the delivery of critical water, wastewater, and stormwater systems that enhance communities.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing project plans and specifications to develop cost estimates, collaborating with project teams and clients via virtual meetings, and analyzing data to predict potential project issues. You might also mentor junior estimators, participate in strategy sessions for upcoming pursuits, and represent AECOM in industry calls or standards meetings, all while working remotely.

Who AECOM is looking for

• Extensive experience in estimating for water/wastewater infrastructure projects, with a deep understanding of construction means, methods, and sequences across multiple disciplines.
• Proven ability to supervise and develop junior staff, including task development, goal setting, and performance documentation.
• Strong analytical skills to predict project issues and assess profitability, coupled with familiarity with company estimating systems and terminology.
• Experience representing an organization in pursuits, industry organizations, and standards-development initiatives, demonstrating leadership and technical credibility.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific water/wastewater estimating projects you've led, including project values, complexity, and outcomes, to show direct relevance to AECOM's Water Business Line.
• Emphasize any experience with remote work and cross-functional collaboration, as this role is remote and involves working with diverse teams and clients.
• Showcase your ability to mentor junior staff by quantifying results (e.g., 'trained 5 junior estimators, improving accuracy by 15%') in your resume.
• Reference AECOM's sustainable legacies mission in your cover letter and connect your estimating work to broader environmental impact.
• If you have experience with industry organizations or standards development, mention specific committees or initiatives to demonstrate thought leadership.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: 1) Your hands-on experience estimating complex water/wastewater projects and familiarity with construction sequences. 2) Your track record of supervising and developing junior estimators, including goal setting and performance feedback. 3) Your ability to analyze estimates to predict project issues and assess profitability. 4) Your alignment with AECOM's commitment to sustainable infrastructure and your interest in representing the company in industry forums.

Research before applying

• Explore AECOM's Water Business Line projects and recent wins, especially in conveyance, treatment, and remediation, to understand their technical focus areas.
• Read AECOM's sustainability reports and press releases to familiarize yourself with their 'sustainable legacies' mission and how estimating contributes to it.
• Research AECOM's estimating systems and tools (e.g., HCSS, InEight) and any proprietary methods they use, to speak knowledgeably in interviews.
• Look into industry organizations AECOM participates in (e.g., WEF, AWWA) and recent standards developments in water infrastructure estimating.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a complex water/wastewater estimating project you managed from start to finish. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• How do you ensure accuracy in estimates when dealing with multiple disciplines and evolving project scopes?
• Describe your approach to mentoring junior estimators. How do you set goals and measure their performance?
• How have you contributed to business development pursuits or industry standards initiatives in previous roles?
• What estimating software and systems are you proficient in, and how do you stay updated on industry best practices?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid generic estimating experience without linking it to water/wastewater projects; AECOM seeks specific technical knowledge in this sector.
• Don't overlook the supervisory aspect; failing to highlight mentoring or team leadership experience could signal a lack of readiness for Estimator IV responsibilities.
• Avoid ignoring AECOM's remote work culture; not demonstrating ability to collaborate effectively remotely may raise concerns about fit.