Estimator

Irving Shipbuilding; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is seeking an Estimator to translate client specifications into complete cost estimates for ship repair and shipbuilding projects across our facilities.

You will help develop competitive bids, collaborating with internal teams and ensuring pricing accuracy to support project planning and execution. The role requires strong attention to detail, experience with reading technical drawings, and familiarity with commercial and naval vessels.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Engineering or Engineering Technology and/or Interprovincial Journeyman status in a relevant commercial or industrial Skilled Trade.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed work scopes and work packages from Client specifications; estimate person-hours for Halifax Shipyard.
• Create/manage subcontractor and material RFQs; assist Supply Chain in RFQ creation.
• Develop execution Method Statements from work scopes and Client specs.
• Assist with Bid/Tender packages; support other Estimators on multi-disciplinary specs.
• Attend Vessel viewings and Bidder Conferences; out-of-province travel may be necessary.
• Assist Production Planners/Managers with bid contents and budgets.
• Gather information and compile RFI/Supplier Compliance packages.

Skills

Subcontractor management

Estimating

Planning scheduling

Project management

Cost controls

Reading drawings

Communication

Education

Engineering degree or Engineering Technology

Interprovincial Journeyman status

Red Seal Journeyman / C.Tech / CET / P.Eng considered

Tools

CAD software

Estimation software

Drafting software

Job description

Job Description

As an Estimator with Irving Shipbuilding Inc., you play a key role in securing new ship repair and shipbuilding contracts across our facilities by interpreting and understanding technical specifications from clients and transforming them into complete, accurate cost estimates. Your work ensures we develop competitive bids, collaborate effectively with internal teams, and provide clear, detailed pricing that supports project planning and successful execution across all Irving Shipbuilding locations and associated repair locations.

As an Estimator with Irving Shipbuilding Inc., you play a key role in securing new ship repair and shipbuilding contracts across our facilities by interpreting and understanding technical specifications from clients and transforming them into complete, accurate cost estimates. Your work ensures we develop competitive bids, collaborate effectively with internal teams, and provide clear, detailed pricing that supports project planning and successful execution across all Irving Shipbuilding locations and associated repair locations.

Responsibilities

• Use Client provided specifications and drawings to create detailed work scopes and work packages. Estimate the required person-hours for Halifax Shipyard to carry out the work.
• Create and manage subcontractor and material Request for Quotes or provide technical assistance to Supply Chain Group during their creation of subcontractor and material Request for Quotes.
• Utilize work scopes and work packages to create detailed execution Method Statements for the Client provided specifications.
• Assist with the creation of Bid/Tender packages that will be submitted to various Clients. Assist other Estimators with multi-disciplinary specification where necessary.
• Attend Vessel viewings and Bidder Conferences of various commercial and naval vessels as required. Out-of-province travel may be necessary.
• Assist various Production Planners and Managers with bid and contract contents and budgets.
• Assist with the gathering of information and the compiling of various Request for Information packages or Supplier Compliance packages.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Engineering or Engineering Technology and/or Interprovincial Journeyman status in a relevant commercial or industrial Skilled Trade.
  • Red Seal Journeyman or Certified Engineering Technician (C.Tech) or Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng) would be considered.
• 2-5 years of experience in various roles involving the execution of major construction or manufacturing projects – including Project Management, Subcontractor Management, Cost Controls, Planning/Scheduling or Estimating.
• Proven experience using Engineering, Estimating, or Drafting software programs; and full competency reading and understanding technical drawings and documentation.
• Familiarity with both Commercial and Naval ships and other vessels.
• Experience participating in Contract Negotiations and experience working with government and commercial contract terms and conditions.
• Communication abilities with internal and external stakeholders.

Due to the nature of work Irving Shipbuilding does, all successful applicants must meet requirements for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Please note this position requires a full-time, in-office presence.

About Us

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About The Team

Irving Shipbuilding is proud to be Canada's National Shipbuilder. Our team is constructing more than 20 modern patrol ships and destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard as part of the largest defence procurement project in Canadian history.

By joining our team of more than 2,400 shipbuilders, you can enjoy a dynamic and exciting career with a company dedicated to your success, development, and safety.

At Irving Shipbuilding, we're making history - why not make it with us? Learn more about careers at Irving Shipbuilding: shipsforcanada.ca/opportunities.