Cost Estimator

Samsung E&A America Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Samsung E&A America seeks a Senior Cost Estimator with ACCE expertise to establish and lead a new in-house ACE Estimation function in Houston. You will deliver Class 3/4 estimates for FEL stages and support NA-led and global projects, aligning with Seoul HQ on standardization of estimation systems.

Responsibilities include developing templates, workflows, and a corporate cost database, training junior estimators, and guiding pricing strategies and cash flow projections across multi-national

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering/Construction Management.
• Minimum 8–12 years of relevant experience in construction or EPC estimation (Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Power, or Clean Energy).
• Mandatory hands-on experience with ACCE.
• Strong understanding of AACE class estimation levels, FEL methodology, and TIC breakdown.
• 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 develop systems 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

Responsibilities

• Lead development of FEL phase capital cost estimates using ACCE for EPC, petrochemical, and energy transition projects.
• Analyze ITB documents, drawings, and specs to determine material takeoffs, labor, equipment, and indirect costs.
• Prepare Class 5 to Class 3 estimates in accordance with AACE and client guidelines.
• Collaborate with 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.
• 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 for continuous improvement of the global estimation process.
• Train junior estimators and assist in building a self-sustaining ACE team in North America.

Skills

MS Excel (Advanced)

PowerPoint

Cost analysis tools

Education

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

Tools

Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE)

AutoCAD

Navisworks

3D model takeoff tools

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