Lead III-Cost Estimation

Linde Engineering; Vadodara; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Linde Engineering in Vadodara, India seeks a senior cost estimator with 16–20 years in engineering/EPC to prepare Class I to Class V cost estimates for major projects, including hydrogen and petrochemical plants. You will compile inputs, challenge assumptions, and benchmark costs across local and international contexts.

The role requires advanced financial modelling (NPV, IRR, sensitivity), strong Excel and Power BI skills, and collaboration with global teams to deliver accurate, compliant bids

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
• 16–20 years of experience in engineering/EPC organizations.
• 8–10 years of hands-on cost estimation experience for EP/EPF/EPC/LEPC projects.

Responsibilities

• Reviews tender specs and engineering documents to develop accurate cost estimates.
• Assesses vendor landscapes and project cost drivers affecting totals.
• Calculates contingencies and models scenarios for robust estimates.

Skills

Cost estimation

Financial modelling

Excel advanced

Power BI

Vendor landscape

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Mechanical or Chemical Eng

Tools

MS Excel

Power BI

PFDs & P&IDs

Job description

Role Definition

This role is responsible for preparing accurate Class I to Class V cost estimates for EP, EPF, EPC, and LEPC projects by compiling, reviewing, challenging, and analysing cost inputs.

Key Responsibilities

Operational

• Reviews tender specifications, commercial terms and conditions, and engineering documents such as PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment lists to develop accurate cost estimates.
• Demonstrates deep understanding of local and global vendor landscapes and project cost drivers, including high-value items with significant impact on overall project cost.
• Identifies and assesses project risks, calculates contingencies, and performs scenario modelling to support robust cost estimates.
• Aligns with the Proposal Manager on proposal strategy and supports the Sales team in preparing competitive and winning bids.
• Estimates applicable taxes and duties, foreign exchange variations, import/export implications, Incoterm selection, and onshore/offshore split impacts.
• Maintains strong awareness of applicable international codes and standards relevant to project execution and costing.
• Challenges project scope and technical specifications to identify value engineering opportunities and optimize cost competitiveness.
• Applies advanced financial modelling techniques, including NPV, IRR, and sensitivity analysis, to support commercial decision-making.
• Possesses thorough understanding of construction cost estimation and the ability to challenge and benchmark construction costs based on project-specific locations.
• Ensures full compliance with client submission deadlines and internal management requirements for periodic proposal progress reviews.
• Brings expertise in estimating large process plants such as SMR-based Hydrogen, Green Hydrogen, HyCO, SRU, Ammonia, downstream Gasification, Petrochemical plants, storage tanks including cryogenic storage tanks, and modularized plant concepts.

Stakeholder Management

• Coordinates with various departments to obtain the required inputs for project costing.
• Collaborates with global estimation teams to integrate their inputs into consolidated project cost sheets.
• Coordinates and participates in proposal and costing meetings, working across cultures and functions to drive alignment and final outcomes.
• Demonstrates strong negotiation and cost-challenging skills to achieve competitive techno-commercial outcomes.

Database Management

• Conducts research and develops, updates, and maintains digital cost estimation databases.
• Develops and maintains benchmark data and estimation norms to support data-driven estimates and improve accuracy, productivity, and efficiency.
• Develops commodity trend analyses and escalation models using relevant market indices.

Additional Responsibilities

Supports people development by coaching junior colleagues and enabling their smooth integration into the department.

Software Tools & Technology

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Power BI, Teams, and digital AI tools used for database development and analysis.

Education & Experience

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering. Candidate should have 16 to 20 years of experience in engineering/EPC organizations, including a minimum of 8 to 10 years of hands-on experience in cost estimation for EP, EPF, EPC, or LEPC projects.