Change Order Estimator II

Founded in 1995, Vigor Marine Group is an established, innovative and integrated partner with a national footprint in marine maintenance and modernization, marine fabrication, and marine services. Evolving from a collection of best-in-class companies, Vigor offers advanced services and complete solutions for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Military Sealift Command, state ferry systems, the cruise industry, and the commercial fishing industry. With four shipyards for maintenance and modernization and one for fabrication—including the largest floating dry dock in the western hemisphere—Vigor employs over 2,500 dedicated employees across four states.

About the Location

Vancouver, Washington, is surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountains, offering a mild climate with four distinct seasons. Known for its affordability compared to neighboring Portland and Seattle, Vancouver has no state income tax. The city is vibrant, walkable, and family-friendly, with numerous restaurants, shops, and parks. It has been recognized as one of Livability’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live in the US” and ranks highly for outdoor activities and health. Healthcare, manufacturing, and technology are the city’s largest employers.

About the Role

The Change Order Estimator II supports the successful execution of U.S. Navy ship repair and modernization programs by preparing accurate, timely, and fully supported cost estimates and pricing proposals for Requests for Contract Change (RCCs), Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), Undefinitized Contract Actions (UCAs), and other contract modifications. This role involves close collaboration with Program Management, Contracts, Engineering, Planning, Production, Scheduling, Procurement, and Quality Assurance to develop detailed Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation, validate technical scope through ship checks, and support customer negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Review RCCs, contract modifications, engineering changes, growth work, customer requests, and technical direction.
• Interpret NAVSEA work items, Standard Items, 4E Specifications, SIDs, drawings, technical manuals, and contract requirements.
• Perform ship checks and onboard inspections to validate scope, access, production methods, and estimating assumptions.
• Develop detailed bottoms-up labor, material, subcontractor, equipment, testing, temporary service, engineering, planning, and schedule impact estimates.
• Prepare complete Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation, pricing narratives, assumptions, exclusions, and supporting calculations.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Planning, Production, Scheduling, Procurement, Contracts, QA, and Project Management to validate estimates.
• Solicit and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Maintain historical estimating data and estimate files for audit readiness.
• Track estimates from receipt through proposal submission, negotiation, award, and implementation.
• Support technical fact-finding meetings and customer negotiations by explaining estimate assumptions, methodologies, production approaches, schedule impacts, and pricing rationale.
• Assist Program Managers and Contracts personnel with proposal revisions, customer questions, and negotiation actions.
• Identify growth opportunities and schedule impacts during project execution.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, NAVSEA requirements, company procedures, and contractual obligations.

Requirements

• Knowledge of NAVSEA ship repair and modernization processes.
• Ability to read technical drawings, specifications, work items, and contracts.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in preparing accurate BOEs and cost estimates.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to support customer negotiations and explain estimating methodologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Bluebeam; ERP and estimating software preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Marine Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent shipyard experience may be substituted.
• Two (2) to five (5) years of estimating, planning, project engineering, production, quality assurance, ship superintendent, or project management experience in NAVSEA ship repair, shipbuilding, or heavy industrial construction preferred.
• U.S. citizenship required pursuant to a government contract.

Work Environment

• Work is conducted in both office and industrial shipyard environments.
• Must be able to board vessels, climb ladders, access confined spaces, wear required PPE, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Local travel between facilities and customer locations may be required.
• Regular exposure to shipyard production facilities, dry docks, and pier-side operations, including varying weather conditions, industrial noise, dust, welding operations, and other shipyard hazards.

Pay

$97,000 - 110,000

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage
• Life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Discretionary bonus
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical, Childcare, Transportation)
• 10 paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k) retirement plan