Cost Estimator

The Nuclear Company; Washington, Columbia (District of Columbia, SC); On-site; USD 121,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nuclear Company is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our fast-growing AI-enabled team in the nuclear and energy space. You will develop reliable cost estimates aligned with AACE classifications, creating a Basis of Estimate and collaborating with engineering, procurement, construction, regulatory, and project controls teams.

Applicants should have 10+ years in project controls and 5+ years as an estimator on large projects, with proficiency in estimating software and AI-driven

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years of experience in project controls.
• 5+ years as an estimator on large projects.
• Strong understanding of project lifecycle and WBS.
• Proficiency with estimating software and cost databases.
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications for parametric estimating or probabilistic cost modeling.

Responsibilities

• Estimate development aligned with AACE classifications for the project phase.
• Create a Basis of Estimate (BOE) with enough information for reproducibility.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning & testing, regulatory, and project controls.
• Identify risks and assumptions; work with risk personnel for quantitative analysis.
• Use standard estimating platforms to develop auditable cost estimates with traceable line items.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Collaboration

AI/ML familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

InEight Estimate

Sage Estimating

CostOS

Job description

Overview

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing AI tech-enabled startup in the nuclear and energy space, pioneering a fleet-scale approach to building the next generation of nuclear reactors. Through our design-once, build-many model, we are accelerating the deployment of safe, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. We operate with an AI-first mindset. Every employee is expected to leverage AI, technology, and the Nuclear Operating System (NOS) to improve quality, speed, and impact of their work, continuously identifying opportunities to automate workflows and enhance decision-making. We hire people who are driven by purpose, thrive in ambiguity, and are energized by building what has never been built before. Our values—Transparency, Responsibility, Unity, Scrappiness, and Tenacity—guide how we hire, collaborate, and make decisions daily. TRUST is the foundation of our safety culture, fostering intellectual honesty, accountability, and open communication.

About the role

The Estimator is a key participant in project development and in the successful capture of business for The Nuclear Company (TNC). The candidate will be familiar with the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) and their recommended practices related to cost-estimate development. The estimator will interface with stakeholders inside and outside of TNC to develop reliable cost estimates with appropriate pedigree aligned with international standards.

Responsibilities

• Estimate Development: Work with key stakeholders to develop an estimate aligned with the requisite AACE classifications appropriate for the project phase.
• Create a Basis of Estimate (BOE): Provide enough information so a reasonable person can reach the same outcome.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Alignment: Collaborate with engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning & testing, regulatory, and project controls teams to collect inputs for estimate development.
• Risk and Assumption Identification: Identify key risks and assumptions; work with risk personnel to ensure quantitative analysis is performed and included in the BOE.
• Estimating Software & Database Management: Use industry-standard estimating platforms (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid, InEight Estimate, Sage Estimating, CostOS) to develop, organize, and maintain detailed, auditable cost estimates with traceable line items and historical benchmarking.
• AI-Enhanced Cost Modeling: Leverage AI/ML tools to analyze historical data, identify cost drivers, improve estimate accuracy, and benchmark against comparable projects fleet-wide.
• Additional Skills: Proficiency with estimating software and cost databases and familiarity with AI/machine learning applications for parametric estimating and probabilistic cost modeling.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 10+ years of experience in project controls
• 5+ years of experience as an estimator on large projects
• Strong understanding of project lifecycle and work breakdown structures
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Proficiency with estimating software and cost databases for developing and maintaining structured, auditable cost estimates
• Familiarity with AI/machine learning applications for parametric estimating, historical data analysis, or probabilistic cost modeling (e.g., Monte Carlo simulations)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Exceptional analytical skills

Preferred Experience

• Experience in the nuclear energy, power generation, or highly regulated industry
• Familiarity with earned value management, risk analysis, and cost-schedule integration
• PMP or PMI-SP certification is a plus
• Experience working in a startup or high-growth environment

Estimated Starting Salary Range

The estimated starting salary range for this role is $121,000 - $143,000 annually, before withholdings and deductions, paid bi-weekly. The actual salary offered may vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, location, and other criteria.

EEO Statement

The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.