Senior Estimator

Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson · Pharma · New Brunswick, NJ +2

This role is for a Senior Estimator in the life sciences facilities sector, focusing on developing accurate budgets for construction projects. Responsibilities include performing quantity takeoffs, developing cost breakdowns, incorporating validation activities into estimates, leading constructability reviews, and maintaining cost databases. The role requires experience in life science construction and knowledge of cGMP facility requirements.

What you'd actually do

  1. Perform complete quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for life science projects, including cleanrooms, laboratories, aseptic processing, GMP production suites, and specialized utilities (WFI, pure steam, process chilled water, clean utilities).
  2. Develop detailed trade-by-trade cost breakdowns, assemblies, and unit-price estimates reflecting life science technical requirements (stainless process piping, pharmaceutical finishes, HVAC systems, gowning areas, pass-throughs, containment systems, etc.).
  3. Incorporate validation, qualification, and commissioning activities into estimates (IQ/OQ/PQ, FAT/SAT, startup support), and quantify time and resource impacts for validation teams and 3rd-party vendors.
  4. Coordinate with process engineers, facility managers, quality/validation leads, and owners’ representatives to clarify scope, acceptance criteria, and sequencing that impacts cost and schedule.
  5. Lead constructability reviews and value-engineering sessions focused on maintaining compliance while optimizing cost and schedule.

Skills

Required

  • 6-8 years of progressive estimating experience
  • 4–5 years focused on life science, pharmaceutical, biotech, or laboratory construction projects
  • Vast experience with the 21Tab structure
  • Vast experience using the Indent Technique in MEP estimating
  • Demonstrated knowledge of cGMP facility requirements, cleanroom classifications, and validation/commissioning cost drivers

Nice to have

  • Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or equivalent certification (AACE, ICEAA)
  • Experience estimating modular skids, prefabricated systems, and vendor-supplied process equipment for life science use
  • Familiarity with project delivery methods common in life sciences (design-build, EPC, CMAR) and owner-led capital programs
  • Understanding of local and international regulatory expectations impacting facility design/cost (FDA, EMA, PIC/S) and environmental controls
  • Proficiency reading and interpreting mechanical, electrical, process, and architectural drawings and specifications for process-centric facilities
  • Strong experience with takeoff and estimating tools (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, or equivalent) and advanced Excel modeling
  • Proven ability to price complex MEP systems, process piping, HVAC filtration/pressurization, and specialty finishes
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience preparing executive-level estimate summaries and presenting to technical and commercial stakeholders
  • Strong analytical, negotiation, and time-management skills
  • Ability to work under bid pressure and manage multiple priorities

What the JD emphasized

  • life science construction projects
  • cGMP facility requirements
  • validation/commissioning cost drivers