Estimator I
Seaspan ULC
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Seaspan ULC is hiring an Estimator I on-site at 50 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver. The role collaborates with Planning, Engineering, and Production to develop accurate cost estimates for shipbuilding projects and related changes.
The ideal candidate has 1–2 years of structured cost estimating experience (or equivalent) and strong Excel/ERP skills, with a focus on risk and cost drivers in a marine setting.
Qualifications
- Analytical mindset with attention to cost drivers and risks.
- Experience developing structured cost estimates for shipbuilding or related industries.
- Proficiency in interpreting drawings and specifications for estimating.
Responsibilities
- Prepare labor, material, equipment, and subcontract cost estimates for shipbuilding.
- Develop estimates using requirements, drawings, and data.
- Collaborate with Planning, Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Program teams.
- Analyze supplier quotations and proposals to support estimate development.
- Identify estimate assumptions, risks, and uncertainties.
- Support bids, proposals, and project change activities.
- Develop and maintain estimating tools and cost databases.
- Perform estimate-to-actual comparisons and lessons learned reviews.
- Prepare estimate summaries for management with key drivers and risks.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
The Estimator I collaborates closely with Planning, Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, Program Management, and other stakeholders to develop accurate, complete, and timely cost estimates. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to assess technical requirements, project risks, and cost drivers in a complex shipbuilding environment.
Note: Due to business needs, this position is required to be fully on-site based at 50 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver.
- Prepare labor, material, equipment, and subcontract cost estimates for shipbuilding, and change-related projects.
- Develop estimates using contract requirements, technical specifications, drawings, schedules, production information, supplier quotations, and historical cost data.
- Collaborate with Planning, Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Program teams to define scope, validate assumptions, and determine resource requirements.
- Analyze supplier quotations and subcontractor proposals to support estimate development and value-based recommendations.
- Identify and communicate key estimate assumptions, risks, opportunities, and areas of uncertainty.
- Support bids, proposals, and project change activities by assessing cost impacts associated with scope, schedule, and design changes.
- Develop and maintain estimating tools, cost models, historical cost databases, productivity metrics, and other estimating resources.
- Perform estimate-to-actual comparisons, cost analysis, and lessons learned reviews to support continuous improvement and estimate accuracy.
- Prepare estimate summaries and reports for management, including key cost drivers, assumptions, risks, and recommended actions.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating processes, methodologies, and reporting capabilities.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Post-secondary degree or diploma in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline with 1-2 years of experience developing structured cost estimates in shipbuilding, marine, manufacturing, heavy industry, construction, engineering, or similar project-based environments; or diploma in a related discipline with 5+ years of equivalent experience in cost estimating within comparable project-based environments.
- Experience supporting bids, proposals, tenders, or project change estimates is preferred.
- Experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, marine construction, or defense-related projects is considered a strong asset.
- Experience working within government, defense, or regulated contracting environments is considered an asset.
- Proficiency with MS Office products and web-based applications.
- Strong analytical, mathematical, problem-solving, and critical‑thinking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop accurate and defensible cost estimates using technical drawings, specifications, contracts, and production information.
- Ability to identify cost drivers, evaluate assumptions, and assess project risks and uncertainties.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- High standards of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
- Knowledge of marine terminology, shipbuilding practices, and applicable marine industry regulations is considered an asset.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance up to NATO Secret.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Power BI.
- Experience with ERP systems, estimating software, data visualization tools, or cost databases is considered an asset.
- Experience with 3D modelling software, project management principles, ship production planning, maritime engineering, or shipyard operations is considered an asset.
- This is a full‑time, permanent position. With multiple operations and long‑term projects, Seaspan employees enjoy job stability as we look ahead to build ships for decades to come.
- In addition to an annual bonus and pension plan matching, this role provides you a very competitive salary in line with the successful candidate's experience.
- We also provide a best‑in‑class health and wellness benefits package for this position, including such things as full health care (e.g. unlimited physiotherapy), dental, vision, life insurance, medical leave coverage, parental leave coverage, childcare benefit partnership, Personal Spending Account, and an Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
- Free on‑site gym.
- Parking is included.
The estimated salary for this position is $73,800-$90,200. In determining final salary, Seaspan considers many factors including the successful candidate's skillset and experience as well as position location and internal equity. The final base salary offer will be at the Company's sole discretion and presented as part of a competitive total compensation package.
Seaspan Shipyards is one of North America's most modern shipyards and unique in its ability to provide a complete range of services including new construction, conversion, refit, repair and life‑cycle maintenance work for Canada's Coast Guard and Navy as well as commercial vessels including cruise‑ships and deep‑sea vessels. Seaspan Shipyards operations include Vancouver Shipyards, Vancouver Drydock and Victoria Shipyards.
This position may involve defense articles and/or technical data regulated by the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and the U.S. Arms Export Control Act. In compliance with ITAR, the successful candidate will be subject to a security clearance through the Canadian Controlled Goods Program as regulated by the Controlled Goods Regulations and Defense Production Act. The successful candidate will be required to maintain their security clearance throughout their employment in this position.
Seaspan is committed to Employment Equity, supports diversity in the workplace, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including, women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at recruit@seaspan.com for confidential support. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment.
Seaspan Shipyards is one of North America's most modern shipyards and unique in its ability to provide a complete range of services including new construction, conversion, refit, repair and life‑cycle maintenance work for Canada's Coast Guard and Navy as well as commercial vessels including cruise‑ships and deep‑sea vessels. Seaspan Shipyards operations include Vancouver Shipyards, Vancouver Drydock and Victoria Shipyards.
To learn more, visit our website: www.seaspan.com
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