Estimator IV

Zachry Group; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Zachry Group in Downers Grove, IL seeks an experienced Senior Estimator to lead EPC cost estimates for major capital projects across power, process, chemical, energy transition and nuclear sectors. You will guide estimate teams, review basis documents, and coordinate with engineering and procurement to ensure accurate, defendable cost projections.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in EPC cost estimating, proficiency with Cleopatra, and experience delivering Class 5–1 estimates, with strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Business, or related field.
• 10+ years of estimating experience supporting EPC, EPCM, design-build, or major capital projects.
• Experience developing estimates for power generation, process, chemical, refining, LNG, industrial, or nuclear projects.
• Advanced proficiency with Cleopatra Enterprise estimating software.
• Experience developing Class 5 through Class 1 estimates.
• Strong understanding of labor, equipment, materials, subcontracting, indirect costs, escalation, and contingency development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of conceptual, FEED, and detailed EPC capital cost estimates for power, process, industrial, and nuclear projects.
• Prepare and review estimate basis documents, assumptions, exclusions, risks, and estimate methodologies.
• Coordinate with engineering, procurement, construction, project controls, and business development teams to develop accurate project cost forecasts.
• Develop direct and indirect cost estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, construction services, and home office costs.
• Utilize historical data, benchmarking, and productivity metrics to validate estimate accuracy and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Perform quantity reviews and estimate validation using engineering deliverables, vendor quotations, and historical project information.
• Evaluate project risks and develop appropriate contingency recommendations based on estimate maturity and project complexity.
• Lead estimate review meetings and present estimate results to project leadership, clients, and executive management.
• Support proposal development, project pursuits, and business development activities.
• Mentor junior estimators and provide technical guidance on estimating methodologies, systems, and best practices.
• Collaborate with project controls teams to ensure alignment between estimating, scheduling, forecasting, and project execution strategies.
• Support estimate-to-project handoff activities and provide estimating support throughout project execution as required.

Skills

Leadership of estimate teams

Cost estimating

Risk analysis

Communication to leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction Management

Tools

Cleopatra Enterprise

Aspen Capital Cost Estimator

Job description

Job Description

Zachry Engineering Corporation is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to support the development of capital cost estimates for major EPC projects across the power generation, process, chemical, energy transition, and nuclear industries. This role will lead estimating efforts from conceptual studies through detailed engineering, providing clients and project teams with accurate, defendable cost estimates used to evaluate project viability and support investment decisions. Zachry is currently executing projects across multiple markets and offers the opportunity to contribute to some of the industry's most complex and challenging projects. The successful candidate will have extensive experience developing EPC estimates, leading estimate teams, coordinating with engineering disciplines, evaluating project risks, and presenting estimate results to project leadership and clients. This position requires strong knowledge of labor, equipment, materials, subcontracting, indirect costs, escalation, and contingency development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of conceptual, FEED, and detailed EPC capital cost estimates for power, process, industrial, and nuclear projects.
• Prepare and review estimate basis documents, assumptions, exclusions, risks, and estimate methodologies.
• Coordinate with engineering, procurement, construction, project controls, and business development teams to develop accurate project cost forecasts.
• Develop direct and indirect cost estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, construction services, and home office costs.
• Utilize historical data, benchmarking, and productivity metrics to validate estimate accuracy and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Perform quantity reviews and estimate validation using engineering deliverables, vendor quotations, and historical project information.
• Evaluate project risks and develop appropriate contingency recommendations based on estimate maturity and project complexity.
• Lead estimate review meetings and present estimate results to project leadership, clients, and executive management.
• Support proposal development, project pursuits, and business development activities.
• Mentor junior estimators and provide technical guidance on estimating methodologies, systems, and best practices.
• Collaborate with project controls teams to ensure alignment between estimating, scheduling, forecasting, and project execution strategies.
• Support estimate-to-project handoff activities and provide estimating support throughout project execution as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Business, or related technical field.
• 10+ years of estimating experience supporting EPC, EPCM, design-build, or major capital project environments.
• Demonstrated experience developing estimates for power generation, process, chemical, refining, LNG, industrial, or nuclear projects.
• Advanced proficiency with Cleopatra Enterprise estimating software.
• Experience developing Class 5 through Class 1 estimates.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, labor productivity, equipment costs, indirect costs, escalation, and contingency development.
• Experience reviewing engineering deliverables including PFDs, P&IDs, plot plans, equipment lists, specifications, and quantity takeoffs.
• Ability to lead estimate teams and coordinate multidisciplinary estimate development efforts.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively present estimate results to senior leadership and clients.

Preferred

• Experience estimating combined-cycle power generation projects.
• Experience supporting nuclear or Department of Energy projects.
• Aspen Capital Cost Estimator experience or certification.
• Experience with risk analysis and contingency modeling.
• Experience supporting proposals exceeding $100M in total installed cost.
• Knowledge of project controls, scheduling, earned value management, and cost forecasting processes.

Successful candidates will typically come from organizations such as:

• EPC Contractors
• Engineering & Construction Firms
• Power Generation Developers
• Process and Chemical Companies
• LNG and Energy Infrastructure Firms
• Industrial Manufacturing and Capital Project Organizations

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