Facilities Cost Estimator / Cost Engineer

The Building People delivers integrated solutions that connect technology, buildings, and people to optimize real estate performance, facility operations, and workforce outcomes. With over 450 contracts delivered across 187 project locations, we manage more than 1,700 facilities and support $38.5B in federal and commercial assets. Leveraging AI-driven automation, data analytics, and platform-agnostic systems, we create high-performing, future-ready environments that reduce cost, improve efficiency, and enable mission success. Founded in 2012, we now have over 450 employees supporting 23 federal agencies-making us a trusted leader in delivering technology-infused building solutions across the public sector.

The Building People is committed to fostering a workplace where every employee can thrive. Using tools like the Predictive Index, we thoughtfully align individual strengths with team needs -ensuring the right fit, the right role, and long-term success.

Our culture is rooted in integrity, innovation, and service. Through our growing philanthropy program, we support communities by focusing on gratitude, giving back, partnerships, and mentorship.

Our Market Offerings Include:

• Real Estate & Workplace
• Facilities Management
• Facilities Operations & Maintenance
• Project Management & Engineering
• Workforce Transformation & Organizational Design
• Mission Support
• Smart Buildings & Energy Efficiency
• Technology Solutions

Join our rapidly growing team and help shape the future of real estate, facilities, and community impact.

Job Description
The Building People, LLC, is seeking a full-time Facilities Cost Estimator / Cost Engineer to support facility maintenance, repair, and minor construction projects in Columbia, SC.

This role is ideal for an estimator with a background in either military facility operations (DPW, JOC, SABER) OR commercial facility maintenance, renovations, and tenant improvements (TI). You will act as a technical advisor, reviewing contractor proposals, developing independent cost estimates, and ensuring that all facility repairs and alterations are technically sound, cost-effective, and code-compliant.

Responsibilities/Duties

Proposal & Estimate Review

• Review and evaluate cost proposals submitted by contractors for facility maintenance, repair, and minor construction.
• Ensure estimates conform with client requirements, commercial building codes, or Army regulations.

Cost Estimate Development

• Develop Independent Government Estimates (IGEs) or detailed commercial cost estimates for repairs, remodeling, renovations, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) system upgrades.
• Estimate manpower, material costs, and project schedules/duration.

Technical Plan Review

• Review A/E drawings, blueprints, and specifications for feasibility and adherence to engineering fundamentals.
• Evaluate Preventative Maintenance Plans, Quality Assurance Plans, and as-built drawings.

Contract & Scoping Support

• Assist in drafting detailed Statements of Work (SOW), technical specifications, and preliminary sketches for contract modifications.
• Prepare design deficiency reports and contract adjustment recommendations.

Site Inspections

• Conduct periodic site visits and facility condition assessments to study building conditions and gather data for scopes of work and estimates.

*This position will not have supervisory responsibilities.

Skills & Requirements
Required Experience & Skills

• 3+ years of experience in construction estimating, specifically focusing on facility renovations, repairs, tenant improvements (TI), or facility maintenance (FM).
• Practical experience developing detailed specifications, scopes of work, and project schedules.
• Working knowledge of MEP systems (HVAC, plumbing/piping, electrical, fire protection, and ventilation).
• Experience conducting building inspections or facility condition assessments.
• Familiarity with RSMeans or similar industry-standard estimating databases.
• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS / Maximo).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints/drawings; familiarity with AutoCAD or MicroStation is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review contractor proposals for cost reasonability.
• Ability to work independently, manage shifting timelines, and communicate professionally with both clients and contractors.

Education, Licenses, & Clearance

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of three (3) years of experience, OR five (5) plus years of equivalent combined education, training, and professional estimating experience.
• Clearance: Must be eligible for, or currently possess, a favorable National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) / Tier 1 background investigation in accordance with AR 380-67 (Required for base access and CAC issuance).
• License: Valid Driver's License (required for local site visits).
• Preferred Certifications: Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), or LEED AP (Not Required).

Physical Demands - While performing site visits, the employee may be required to stand, walk, bend, or climb (stairs/ladders) for extended periods and occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment - Primarily a temperature-controlled office environment. Periodic site visits may expose the employee to outdoor weather conditions, active construction environments, and moderate noise levels.

Qualifications

*Our positions may require a background screening and clearance directly from the Government.

*Please note that telework arrangements are subject to change based on customer requirements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Competitive benefits for eligible employees include:

• Medical & Rx
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Life Insurance/AD&D
• Long Term Disability and Short-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay

All positions require a background check after acceptance of our offer. The selected candidate will be eligible to begin employment before the background check has been finalized. However, continued employment will be contingent upon the results of your reference/background check from The Building People, LLC. Your position may require special credentialing, clearance, and access as a condition of employment. In the event the government or client does not sponsor or approve your clearance, it may result in termination of your employment.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at reasonableaccomodation@thebuildingpeople.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.

For more information, view the EEO is the Law Poster and Pay Transparency Statement .

Powered by Hirebridge