Conceptual EPC Estimator

About the role

The Conceptual EPC Estimator develops capital cost estimates for engineering, procurement, and construction projects from early conceptual development through defined project phases. The position primarily prepares AACE Class 5 through Class 3 estimates for industrial facilities and related infrastructure.

The estimator works with engineering, project management, procurement, construction, and project controls to establish scope, select appropriate estimating methods, identify cost drivers and uncertainty, and produce clear, traceable, and supportable estimates. This is a mid-level to senior role for an estimator who can independently develop estimates, participate in estimate reviews, and communicate results to project teams, management, and clients.

Responsibilities

• Develop AACE Class 5 through Class 3 capital cost estimates for EPC projects using conceptual, factored, parametric, historical-data, equipment-based, and quantity-based estimating methods appropriate to the available level of project definition.
• Review and interpret project information, including process descriptions, equipment lists, PFDs, P&IDs, plot plans, drawings, specifications, data sheets, schedules, execution plans, and other available design documents.
• Prepare and maintain the Basis of Estimate, including scope boundaries, estimating methodology, assumptions, exclusions, qualifications, allowances, pricing basis, escalation, contingency inputs, and areas of uncertainty.
• Develop or validate direct and indirect costs for engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, project management, temporary facilities, construction support, and other applicable project requirements.
• Develop or validate discipline quantities and costs, including labor hours, productivity factors, installation rates, construction equipment, subcontract costs, and costs for civil, structural, mechanical, piping, electrical, instrumentation, and related systems.
• Apply historical project data, benchmarks, capacity factors, installation factors, location factors, cost indices, and other conceptual estimating techniques when detailed quantities are unavailable.
• Obtain, review, and normalize budgetary quotations from vendors, suppliers, fabricators, and subcontractors.
• Identify major cost drivers, scope gaps, estimate risks, and areas of uncertainty, and recommend appropriate allowances and contingency inputs.
• Prepare estimate summaries, detailed supporting documentation, cost breakdown structures, and presentations; participate in estimate reviews, risk workshops, value engineering, constructability reviews, and project strategy meetings.
• Present estimate results and reconcile estimate revisions, explaining changes resulting from scope development, pricing updates, schedule changes, execution strategy, or other project conditions.
• Coordinate estimate development with engineering, procurement, construction, project management, schedules, work breakdown structures, execution plans, and project controls requirements.
• Support improvements to estimating tools, databases, historical cost information, unit rates, and procedures, and provide technical guidance to less-experienced estimators as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, industrial technology, or a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant estimating, engineering, construction, or project controls experience will be considered.
• Typically, 7 or more years of experience developing industrial capital cost estimates.
• Demonstrated experience developing conceptual through budget-level industrial estimates.
• Experience with industrial, process, energy, chemical, petrochemical, refining, manufacturing, infrastructure, or similar capital projects.
• Working knowledge of EPC project execution, construction methods, labor productivity, material pricing, subcontracting, indirect costs, escalation, contingency, and estimate risk.
• Ability to develop defensible estimates from limited, incomplete, and evolving project information.
• Ability to independently organize estimate development, coordinate inputs, document assumptions, and meet project deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with commercial estimating software and cost databases.
• Strong analytical, written, verbal, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Location: Houston, TX Office