Cost Specialist

Brunel; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Brunel in Texas is seeking experienced Cost/Schedule/Controls Engineers or Specialists to support Brownfield capital projects across industrial facilities. The role centers on capital project cost estimating, including estimate development, benchmarking, and method improvements.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience estimating major capital projects or portfolios, plus ability to mentor others, review estimates, and drive standardized estimating practices onsite with occasional

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing cost estimates for major capital projects valued at $100 million or more.
• Experience mentoring professionals and conducting technical reviews of estimates.
• Experience supporting at least one industrial project line (upstream, refining, chemicals, pipelines).
• Strong communication, analytical, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work onsite and travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost estimates for major capital projects valued at $100 million or more and/or portfolio projects valued between $1 million and $100 million.
• Review project scopes and develop estimate plans that reflect materials, equipment, execution strategies, and overhead costs.
• Evaluate estimate accuracy and cost competitiveness using historical project data and external industry benchmarks.
• Perform technical reviews and provide guidance, mentoring, and feedback to cost estimating professionals.
• Develop, improve, and maintain cost estimating methodologies, processes, and tools.
• Develop and deliver cost estimating training to support consistent practices and improve team capabilities.
• Collaborate with project management, engineering, procurement, construction, and project services teams.
• Support cost engineering initiatives, continuous improvement efforts, and the implementation of standardized work processes.
• Communicate estimating assumptions, findings, and recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in workshops and site visits as required, including potential domestic and international travel.

Skills

Cost estimating

Mentoring

Technical reviews

Stakeholder collaboration

Tools

Estimating tools

Job description

Location: Spring / Gulf Coast Facilities, TX

Contract: 1 year renewable

Start Date: ASAP

Work Arrangement: Onsite; M-F - 40h/week - travel to other sites may be required

Position Overview

We are seeking experienced Cost/Schedule/Controls Engineers or Specialists to support a portfolio of Brownfield capital projects across industrial facilities. The primary focus of this position is capital project cost estimating, including estimate development, cost benchmarking, technical reviews, and continuous improvement of estimating methodologies and tools.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience developing cost estimates for major capital projects or project portfolios, along with a strong understanding of project execution, estimating methodologies, and cost competitiveness. This position also involves mentoring other professionals, reviewing estimates, and supporting the development of consistent estimating practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop cost estimates for major capital projects valued at $100 million or more and/or portfolio projects valued between $1 million and $100 million.
• Review project scopes and develop estimate plans that reflect materials, equipment, execution strategies, and overhead costs.
• Evaluate estimate accuracy and cost competitiveness using historical project data and external industry benchmarks.
• Perform technical reviews and provide guidance, mentoring, and feedback to cost estimating professionals.
• Develop, improve, and maintain cost estimating methodologies, processes, and tools.
• Develop and deliver cost estimating training to support consistent practices and improve team capabilities.
• Collaborate with project management, engineering, procurement, construction, and project services teams.
• Support cost engineering initiatives, continuous improvement efforts, and the implementation of standardized work processes.
• Communicate estimating assumptions, findings, and recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in workshops and site visits as required, including potential domestic and international travel.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing cost estimates for major capital projects valued at $100 million or more, or portfolio projects valued between $1 million and $100 million.
• Experience working for an owner/operator organization or an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor.
• Experience mentoring professionals and conducting technical reviews of capital project or portfolio cost estimates.
• Experience supporting at least one relevant industrial project business line, such as upstream, refining, chemicals, pipelines, or related sectors.
• Experience developing or improving cost estimating methodologies, tools, and processes.
• Strong communication, analytical, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work onsite and travel for project workshops and support as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing cost estimates for both major capital projects and smaller portfolio projects.
• Experience working for both owner/operator organizations and EPC contractors.
• Experience leading teams of cost estimating, scheduling, or project controls professionals.
• Exposure to multiple industrial project types or business lines, including upstream, refining, chemicals, pipelines, and related facilities.
• Experience in project scheduling, planning, project controls, project development, or project engineering beyond cost estimating.
• Strong digital and data management skills, including experience with industry-standard estimating and project controls tools.

This position supports Brownfield projects involving upgrades and replacements at existing industrial facilities. Assignments may vary by project and business line. Candidates must be comfortable working onsite and participating in travel when required.

Interested candidates should have a strong background in capital cost estimating, cost benchmarking, and technical estimate review, with the ability to support continuous improvement and mentor other estimating professionals.