Cost Estimator

Samsung E&A America Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Samsung E&A America in Houston seeks a Senior Cost Estimator with proven ACCE expertise to establish an in-house ACE Estimation function. You will lead FEL-phase estimates, benchmark cost data, and standardize estimation practices across North America and global teams, collaborating with Seoul HQ.

You will mentor junior estimators, manage ITB analyses, and develop cost databases to support competitive pricing and robust cash flow projections for major capital projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Minimum 8–12 years of relevant experience in construction or EPC estimation.
• Hands-on experience with ACCE.
• Strong understanding of Class estimation levels (AACE), FEL methodology, and TIC breakdown.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, equipment specs, layouts, and WBS.
• Experience with subcontracting processes, modularization, and field execution alignment preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for working with global teams.
• MS Excel (Advanced), PowerPoint, and cost analysis tools.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Navisworks, or 3D model takeoff tools – Preferred.
• SAP, Oracle or internal ERP-based cost tracking – Plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of FEL phase capital cost estimates using ACCE for EPC, petrochemical, and energy transition projects.
• Analyze ITB documents, drawings, and technical specifications to determine material takeoffs, labor, equipment, and indirect costs.
• Prepare Class 5 to Class 3 estimates in accordance with AACE and client guidelines.
• Work with the HQ estimation team and global proposal group to align deliverables, scope basis, and methodology.
• Review and verify subcontractor cost inputs and vendor pricing as part of bottom-up estimate development.
• Establish and maintain a cost database, labor norms, and benchmarking system for internal consistency and reuse.
• Collaborate with HQ to develop templates, workflows, and digital estimation standards.
• Support proposal teams in developing pricing strategies, execution plans, and cash flow projections.
• Provide feedback and insight for continuous improvement of the global estimation process.
• Train junior estimators and assist in building a self-sustaining ACE team in North America.

Skills

ACCE expertise

Class estimation

P&ID interpretation

Labor costing

Cost database management

Excel (Advanced)

PowerPoint

Cost analysis tools

Team training

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering, or Construction Management

Tools

AutoCAD

Navisworks

ERP systems (SAP/Oracle)

Job description

Samsung E&A America is seeking a highly experienced Senior Cost Estimator with proven expertise in Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) to establish and lead a new in-house ACE Estimation function based in Houston. This role will play a critical part in delivering Class 3/4 estimates for FEL stages, supporting both North America-led projects and global initiatives led by Samsung E&A headquarters. The candidate will also collaborate with Seoul HQ to standardize estimation systems and contribute to building a corporate cost database.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of FEL phase capital cost estimates using Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) for EPC, petrochemical, and energy transition projects.
• Analyze ITB (Invitation to Bid) documents, drawings, and technical specifications to determine material takeoffs, labor, equipment, and indirect costs.
• Prepare Class 5 to Class 3 estimates in accordance with AACE and client guidelines.
• Work with the HQ estimation team and global proposal group to align deliverables, scope basis, and methodology.
• Review and verify subcontractor cost inputs and vendor pricing as part of bottom-up estimate development.
• Establish and maintain a cost database, labor norms, and benchmarking system for internal consistency and reuse.
• Collaborate with HQ to develop templates, workflows, and digital estimation standards.
• Support proposal teams in developing pricing strategies, execution plans, and cash flow projections.
• Provide feedback and insight for continuous improvement of the global estimation process.
• Train junior estimators and assist in building a self-sustaining ACE team in North America.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Minimum 8–12 years of relevant experience in construction or EPC estimation (Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Power, or Clean Energy sector).
• Mandatory hands-on experience with Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE).
• Strong understanding of Class estimation levels (AACE standards), FEL methodology, and TIC (Total Installed Cost) breakdown.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret P&IDs, equipment specs, layouts, and WBS.
• Experience with subcontracting processes, modularization, and field execution alignment is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for working with global teams (HQ and project offices).
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in developing systems and structures from scratch.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills for audit-ready estimate records.
• MS Excel (Advanced), PowerPoint, and cost analysis tools
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Navisworks, or 3D model takeoff tools – Preferred
• SAP, Oracle or internal ERP-based cost tracking – Plus

Other information

- Must be eligible to work in the US legally without visa sponsorship