7+ years of experience in estimating, cost engineering, or project cost control.
Background in nuclear, power generation, aerospace, defense, industrial manufacturing, or EPC.
Familiarity with fabricated equipment, modular construction, or engineered-to-order products.
Proficient in bottom-up costing and should-cost analysis.
Strong understanding of labor, materials, fabrication, installation, and supplier pricing.
Ability to create estimates from technical documentation.
Advanced spreadsheet and cost-modelling skills.
Responsibilities
Develop detailed estimates for plant systems and construction activities.
Build bottom-up cost models using various data sources.
Collaborate with engineers and manufacturing teams to assess component complexity.
Analyze supplier quotes and subcontractor bids for cost drivers and risks.
Evaluate make-versus-buy options to identify cost-saving opportunities.
Track estimated versus actual costs to refine future estimates.
Support budget development and cost forecasting efforts.
Benefits
Hybrid work environment with required factory and site visits.
Opportunity to influence product design and project economics.
Engagement with cross-functional teams including engineering and procurement.
Potential for career growth in a pioneering industry.
Full Job Description
Location: Austin, Texas | Hybrid, with factory and site visits as required
Must have: Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing Experience
About the Role
We are seeking a commercially minded Estimator / Cost Engineer to help build accurate, bottom-up cost models for a new generation of factory-manufactured nuclear power plants.
You will work directly with engineering, manufacturing, procurement and construction teams to understand what components and systems actually cost to design, fabricate, procure, install and test. This is an opportunity to influence product design and project economics directly, helping turn first-of-a-kind builds into cost-effective, repeatable production.
Responsibilities
Develop detailed estimates for plant systems, equipment, fabricated assemblies, construction packages and installation activities.
Build bottom-up cost models using bills of materials, drawings, quantities labour assumptions, vendor quotes and manufacturing processes.
Work directly with engineers and manufacturing personnel to understand component complexity, fabrication hours, material use and assembly requirements.
Analyse supplier quotations and subcontractor bids, identifying cost drivers, scope gaps and commercial risks.
Compare make-versus-buy options and identify opportunities to reduce cost through standardisation and design simplification.
Track estimated versus actual costs and use build data to improve future estimates.
Support budget development, change management, contingency planning and cost forecasting.
Partner with procurement on sourcing strategies and vendor negotiations.
Develop cost benchmarks and repeatable estimating methods as production volumes increase.
Requirements
Nuclear, power generation, aerospace, defence, industrial manufacturing or EPC.
Fabricated equipment, modular construction or engineered-to-order products.
Experience with bottom-up costing, should-cost analysis and manufacturing cost reduction.
Approximately 7+ years of estimating, cost engineering or project cost control experience.
Experience with physical construction, industrial equipment, manufacturing or major energy projects.
Strong understanding of labour, materials, fabrication, installation and supplier pricing.
Ability to build estimates from technical documentation rather than relying solely on historical high-level allowances.
Strong spreadsheet and cost-modelling skills.
Comfortable working directly with engineers, technicians, buyers and construction managers.
