Senior Estimator

About Hughes Marino

Hughes Marino is a nationally recognized, award-winning corporate real estate advisory firm specializing in representing occupiers, never landlords. Our Program, Project & Construction Management practice serves as owner's representative and third-party CM for some of the most dynamic companies in the country, guiding clients through complex projects with independent, conflict-free expertise.

We are currently seeking a Senior Estimator to join our Irvine team, supporting a growing portfolio of office, industrial, advanced manufacturing, and defense technology projects.

The Role

As Senior Estimator, you will serve as the most trusted cost voice on the project team, working from the owner's side with full independence from GC or design team interests. You will own the numbers from early concept through procurement, shaping executive-level capital decisions and giving our clients the confidence to move decisively. This is not an in-house GC estimating role. Your work will directly influence how Hughes Marino's clients plan, budget, and execute some of their most strategically important projects.

This is a high-visibility position with direct exposure to client executives and real influence over project outcomes.

What You'll Own

• Develop and continuously refine ROMs, conceptual estimates, and milestone estimates across office, industrial, and advanced manufacturing project types
• Own and evolve estimating standards, templates, and cost libraries across a growing project portfolio
• Manage estimate evolution checkpoints and reconciliation formats throughout the design and procurement process
• Support bid leveling and scope reconciliation at procurement, with clear written summaries for both technical and executive audiences
• Maintain and refine cost libraries and market benchmarks based on project actuals and current market conditions
• Lead value engineering efforts, proactively identifying cost reduction opportunities without compromising scope or quality
• Support the cost controls team with estimate-at-completion reconciliation on active projects
• Assist in developing executive presentations and capital planning briefs
• Collaborate with Hughes Marino PMs, clients, and design teams to validate cost assumptions and align on project goals

What We're Looking For

• 8-12 years of estimating experience in commercial construction, with exposure to a variety of project types, including tenant improvement projects and new construction.
• Experience with Hardware Technology, Advanced Manufacturing projects, Secure/SCIF/ICD-705, and/or Maritime is a strong plus -- candidates with this background will be prioritized
• Strong command of CSI cost codes and line-item estimating across all design phases
• Proven ability to build, maintain, and apply cost libraries and market benchmarks
• Experience with bid leveling, value engineering, and scope gap analysis in an owner's representative or GC context
• Ability to communicate cost assumptions and variances clearly to non-technical, executive-level stakeholders
• Proficient in estimating software such as On-Screen Takeoff, Sage, or equivalent, plus advanced Microsoft Excel
• Proficient in Bluebeam and Microsoft Project
• Self-directed and deadline-driven, with the ability to manage multiple active projects simultaneously
• Local candidates only: Orange County

Compensation & Details

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience ranging from $130,000-$175,000
• Competitive benefits package and long-term career growth within Hughes Marino
• Regular travel to project sites as required
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field