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Sr Cost Estimator

Metra


Job Location:

Chicago, IL - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 89287 - 89287
Posted: 29 September 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 27 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The final salary will depend on the candidates qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America serving Cook DuPage Will Lake Kane and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe reliable and efficient commuter service.

Metras Capital Delivery Department oversees the design construction and administration of Metra capital projects and manages the work of consultants and contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural civil electrical mechanical traction power and wayfinding and signs. The department also includes Project Management NEPA Project Controls and Project Administration teams.

Reporting to the Director Project Controls the Senior Cost Estimator is responsible for the development and coordination of all Cost and Estimating policies procedures and systems for Metras Capital Delivery Program.

The primary duties include:Manage cost and estimating management plans processes and procedures (budget and forecast) for all projects within the Capital Delivery Program. Monitor milestone schedules and ensure corresponding estimates are accurately updated in the system and documentation of processes and procedures is entered accurately and the development and implementation of all project cost estimates within the program and review and approve estimates needed for project the implementation use and training on the Project Management Information System (PMIS) for costing and estimating projects; participate in updating training materials; and provide training to system users and team the Director Project Controls in developing cost breakdown structure and schedule of values for all projects within the setup and initial loading of baseline budget into budget management system; record commitments and expenditures; track all budgets commitments and expenditure transactions; identify and track potential cost issues/overruns; and work with project team to resolve issues and correct safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work otherrelated duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act not the Social Security Administration.

  1. Bachelors degree in Engineering Construction Management or related field.
  2. In addition to #1 above must have a minimum of seven years of experience preparing cost estimates preferably in an infrastructure related field.
  3. Considerable knowledge of estimating and cost management best practices and procedures.
  4. Considerable knowledge of cost baseline creation and management.
  5. Knowledge of the estimating and cost PMIS best practices.
  6. Knowledge of Earned Value Management.
  7. Good organizational analytical and critical thinking skills.
  8. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  9. Advanced level math skills.
  10. Proficient in PMIS and Microsoft 365.
  11. Ability to conduct training consisting of multi-disciplinary members.
  12. Ability to work independently set priorities and meet deadlines.
  13. Ability to complete assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
  14. Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license.
  15. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
  16. Must be willing to travel within Metras 6-county region.
  17. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning late afternoon evenings or weekends.

Preferred:

  1. Project Management Professional

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history employment and education verification credential validation and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana Metra prohibits applicants andemployees use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia) or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes while on duty subject to duty on Metra property or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application participate in interviews complete any pre-employment testing or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process please direct your inquiries to

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race color sex religion national origin age gender identity disability or any protected categories assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.


Required Experience:

Senior IC


About Company

About Metra Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing tr ... View more

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