Senior Cost Engineer

Job overview

The Senior Cost Engineer role is onsite in Sacramento, CA, with a salary range of $100,000–$130,000 per year. The position is part of S+B James Construction’s Preconstruction team, supporting projects across sectors including healthcare, education, life sciences, commercial, retail, industrial, and public works. The role supports estimating and preconstruction by developing cost models, evaluating proposals, and helping shape project budgets and procurement plans. Accurate cost analysis and coordination with project stakeholders help the company plan and deliver construction projects while balancing cost, scope, quality, and design intent.

What you'll do

• Conduct quantity take-offs and prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates
• maintain historical cost data for benchmarking and forecasting
• evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals
• coordinate with preconstruction management, estimating, subcontractors, clients, and design teams
• support value engineering
• participate in constructability reviews and site investigations
• and assist with project phasing plans, bid packages, and procurement strategies.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

senior cost engineer

s+b james construction

sacramento ca

onsite

preconstruction

cost estimating

quantity take-offs

cost models

subcontractor proposals

value engineering

construction projects

$100k–$130k per year

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Employee health insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• dental and vision insurance
• paid time off
• sick and wellness days
• paid holidays
• discretionary bonus
• phone allowance
• company-sponsored community events.

Why this role

Preconstruction role requiring a bachelor’s degree or related experience, 3+ years in estimating, cost engineering, or preconstruction, and proficiency with estimating and take-off software.

About the employer

S+B James Construction is hiring for this role. Industry: Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. Sector: 23.