Senior Project Estimator (Data Center Preconstruction) - Corsicana, TX, or Sweetwater, TX

The role

This person will support large-scale greenfield data center projects from preconstruction through construction execution. The role involves independent cost estimating, budget validation, and transitioning into owner-side cost management during construction.

What you will do

• Review and validate full project budgets across multiple disciplines
• Prepare independent estimates at SD, DD, and 100% CD stages
• Reconcile independent estimates against GC/CM estimates
• Review GMP and lump-sum proposals
• Review Schedule of Values for completeness and alignment with scope
• Evaluate bid packages, subcontractor pricing, and vendor quotes
• Identify scope gaps, pricing risks, and budget impacts
• Support value engineering and track accepted or rejected items
• Prepare Basis of Estimate documentation and executive-level presentations
• Transition into construction-phase cost management including pay applications and change orders

Required qualifications

• 12+ years of construction estimating, preconstruction, cost estimating, quantity surveying, cost management, project controls, or cost advisory experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, or related technical field
• Full-project estimating experience across multiple disciplines
• Strong understanding of civil, structural, architectural, MEP, fire protection, telecom, general conditions, escalation, contingency, and allowances
• Experience with large commercial, industrial, mission-critical, data center, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, EPC, or similarly complex capital projects
• Experience reviewing GC/CM estimates, GMPs, lump-sum proposals, bid packages, subcontractor pricing, vendor quotes, assumptions, exclusions, allowances, markups, and contingency
• Ability to identify scope gaps, pricing risks, cost drivers, estimate assumptions, and budget exposure
• Ability to transition from preconstruction estimating into construction-phase cost management
• Experience with pay application review, change order evaluation, cost reporting, contingency tracking, cash flow forecasting, and EAC development
• Strong client-facing communication and executive-ready reporting skills
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Bluebeam, and estimating tools such as CostX, WinEst, Trimble, Accubid, or similar platforms

Nice to have

• Direct experience with greenfield data centers, hyperscale programs, mission-critical facilities, semiconductor, or advanced manufacturing projects
• Strong awareness of data center cost drivers, including electrical gear, generators, UPS, switchgear, substations, cooling systems, utilities, telecom/low voltage, commissioning, and long-lead procure
• Familiarity with AI/HPC infrastructure, high-density racks, liquid cooling, CDUs, chilled water systems, heat rejection, and commissioning
• Experience supporting projects from early estimate validation through GMP establishment, procurement, construction cost management, and final cost reconciliation
• ASPE, AACE, PMP, RICS, or similar certification
• Power BI or Tableau

About the company

Decima International is a professional services company providing project management and controls services to clients in the United States and the Middle East.