Intermediate Estimator - Power

PTAG; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible work environment

Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Job summary

PTAG in Houston, TX is seeking an Intermediate Estimator to develop and validate cost estimates for major capital projects. This role will support various industries including Power Generation and Mining, ensuring adherence to PTAG’s standards.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of progressive experience in cost estimating, a Bachelor's degree in engineering, and proficiency with estimating software. PTAG offers a flexible work environment, competitive compensation, and mentorship opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in cost estimating, preferably in relevant industries.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Commitment to professional growth, pursuing designations like CEP is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and validate detailed cost estimates for multiple disciplines.
• Support estimate governance and quality, following PTAG's standards.
• Collaborate with teams to understand design developments and scope changes.

Skills

Cost estimating

Analytical skills

Project controls

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Estimating software (Cleopatra, EcoSys)

Project control systems (Primavera, SAP)

Job description

Intermediate Estimator – Houston, TX – Full Time – ID#6962

The Intermediate Estimator plays a key role in developing and validating cost estimates that support PTAG’s clients across a variety of major capital projects in the Power Generation, Energy, Mining, Nuclear, and Infrastructure sectors. Reporting to the Senior Estimator or Director, Project Services, this role contributes to all stages of project development, from conceptual design through execution, by preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates, conducting cost analysis, and ensuring consistency with PTAG’s estimating standards and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Cost Estimate Preparation & Validation
  • Prepare and update detailed cost estimates for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities across multiple disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, structural).
  • Validate estimate inputs by reviewing engineering deliverables, quantity takeoffs, and vendor quotations.
  • Ensure estimates are aligned with project scope, schedule, and execution strategy.
• Support for Estimate Governance & Quality
  • Follow PTAG's estimating standards, templates, and procedures to maintain consistency and quality across all deliverables.
  • Support senior estimators and subject matter experts in estimate reviews, benchmarking, and validation exercises.
  • Contribute to the preparation and documentation of Basis of Estimate (BOE) reports.
• Data Management & Benchmarking
  • Maintain cost data, historical information, and unit rate databases in alignment with PTAG's systems and practices.
  • Assist in performing benchmarking and trend analysis to support project evaluations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaboration & Change Management
  • Work closely with engineering, procurement, and project controls teams to understand design developments and scope changes.
  • Support the evaluation of design modifications, value engineering proposals, and change orders.
  • Ensure estimate revisions are properly documented and traceable through the project lifecycle.
• Analytical Support & Sensitivity Analysis
  • Conduct basic cost risk and sensitivity analysis to assess potential variations in cost outcomes.
  • Support senior estimators and project managers in developing contingency recommendations and risk assessments.
• Systems Integration & Process Improvement
  • Utilize estimating tools and software such as Cleopatra, EcoSys, or equivalent to support estimate development.
  • Assist in integrating estimating data with project control systems (e.g., Primavera, SAP) to improve visibility and data consistency.
  • Identify areas for efficiency improvement in estimating workflows and participate in system enhancement initiatives.
• Learning, Development & Mentorship
  • Actively participate in PTAG's mentorship and training programs to strengthen technical expertise and estimating acumen.
  • Seek guidance from senior team members while demonstrating increasing autonomy and ownership of deliverables.
  • Contribute to the knowledge‑sharing culture by maintaining accurate records, lessons learned, and supporting documentation.

Qualifications

• 5 plus years of progressive experience in cost estimating or project controls, preferably within Power Generation, Energy, Mining, Nuclear, or Infrastructure industries.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related technical field.
• Proven ability to prepare and analyze cost estimates at various stages of project development.
• Working knowledge of estimating software such as Cleopatra, EcoSys, Aspen, or equivalent tools.
• Familiarity with AACE International Classifications and estimating best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities across multidisciplinary project teams.
• Experience with or exposure to project control systems (e.g., Primavera P6, SAP) considered an asset.
• Commitment to professional growth – pursuing or planning to pursue designations such as Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) or equivalent is desirable.

Benefits

• Exposure to industry‑leading clients and partners.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible work environment and opportunities for advancement.
• Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• A culture that values safety, accountability, and excellence.

PTAG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.