Cost Estimator

newcleo; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) plan with company match

Generous PTO 20–25 days

Job summary

newcleo is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to support the development of its U.S. MOX fuel manufacturing facility.

This role will establish and maintain a U.S.-based cost estimate, reflecting labor rates, productivity, supply chain, construction methods, and regulatory requirements. The candidate will lead cost baseline development and drive governance for investment decisions, drawing on extensive nuclear/industrial project estimating experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in cost estimating for large-scale industrial, nuclear, energy, or similar projects.
• Strong knowledge of AACE estimating principles and classifications.
• Experience adapting international estimates to the U.S. market.
• Understanding CAPEX estimating, EPC/EPCM delivery models.
• Experience with cost estimating tools, databases, and processes.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary and international project environments.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and maintain the U.S. MOX facility cost estimate.
• Adapt international estimates to reflect U.S. conditions and execution strategies.
• Develop CAPEX estimates including engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, indirect costs, and contingency.
• Apply AACE practices and ensure estimate accuracy and traceability.
• Establish cost breakdown structures aligned with scope and maturity.
• Define and maintain estimating assumptions, methodologies, and databases.
• Analyze cost risks, escalation factors, and contingencies.
• Support cost reviews, investment decisions, and stage-gate approvals.
• Benchmark costs against similar U.S. nuclear/energy projects.
• Refine estimates as design progresses toward execution.

Skills

Cost estimating

AACE methods

U.S. market adaptation

CAPEX knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Project controls

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Cost Engineering, or related field

Job description

newcleo is an innovative nuclear energy company developing AMRs cooled by liquid lead, and nuclear fuel from recycled nuclear waste, with the goal of delivering abundant, competitive, low-carbon energy.

The Company was founded by physicist-entrepreneur Stefano Buono following the USD 3.9 billion sale of his previous venture - Nasdaq-listed nuclear medicine company Advanced Accelerator Applications - to Novartis.

With over $80 million in revenue, other income, and financial income in 2024 including from its operating companies, approximately $780 million in private funding, and more than 900 highly skilled employees across Europe and the United States, the Company has built a network of over 100 industry partnerships and supports its growth through the targeted acquisition and vertical integration of key companies in the nuclear supply chain.

On May 27, 2026, newcleo announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement for a business combination with NewHold Investment Corp. III (NASDAQ: NHIC) in a transaction that, upon closing, would result in newcleo becoming a U.S.-listed public company. The combined company is expected to be listed on the Nasdaq exchange under the ticker symbol NWCL following an anticipated transaction close in the second half of 2026, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

For more information visit www.newcleo.com/investors.

Position Summary

newcleo is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to support the development of its advanced MOX fuel manufacturing facility in the United States.

This role will play a key part in establishing and maintaining a U.S.-based cost estimate aligned with local market conditions, including labor rates, productivity assumptions, supply chain considerations, construction methodologies, and regulatory requirements.

Building on the project’s existing design maturity, the Senior Cost Estimator will lead the development and continuous improvement of the project cost baseline, supporting investment decisions, project governance, and the transition toward execution.

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in cost estimating for large-scale industrial, nuclear, or highly regulated projects, with expertise in AACE methodologies and U.S. project delivery environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and maintain the project cost estimate for the U.S. MOX fuel manufacturing facility.
• Adapt existing international cost estimates to reflect U.S. market conditions and execution strategies.
• Develop CAPEX estimates including engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, indirect costs, and contingency.
• Apply AACE International recommended practices and ensure estimate accuracy, consistency, and traceability.
• Establish cost breakdown structures aligned with project scope, engineering maturity, and execution plans.
• Define and maintain estimating assumptions, methodologies, and cost databases.
• Analyze cost risks, uncertainties, escalation factors, and contingency requirements.
• Support cost reviews, investment decisions, and project stage-gate approvals.
• Benchmark costs against comparable U.S. nuclear, energy, and industrial projects.
• Continuously refine estimates as the project progresses from design development toward execution.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

The Senior Cost Estimator will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across the project, including:

• Engineering and Design
• Manufacturing and Industrialization
• Construction and Site Execution
• Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
• Quality Assurance and Nuclear Safety
• Procurement and Supply Chain
• Project Management and Project Controls

The role requires close collaboration to ensure cost assumptions accurately reflect technical requirements, construction strategies, supplier availability, licensing constraints, and project execution plans.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Cost Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in cost estimating for large-scale industrial, nuclear, energy, infrastructure, or similarly complex projects.
• Strong knowledge of AACE International cost estimating principles and estimate classification methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience developing cost estimates for U.S.-based projects or adapting international estimates to the U.S. market.
• Strong understanding of CAPEX estimating, EPC/EPCM delivery models, and project cost drivers.
• Experience with cost estimating tools, databases, and structured estimating processes.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and international project environments.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nuclear fuel cycle facilities, fuel fabrication, MOX, radiological facilities, or other high-hazard industrial projects.
• Knowledge of U.S. nuclear regulations and licensing environments (NRC).
• Experience supporting projects through FEED, basic design, and execution phases.
• AACE certification (CCE/CCP) or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience with major capital projects in the nuclear or energy sectors.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, as well as a 401(k) plan with 4% company match.
• Generous paid time off, starting at 20 days per year and increasing to 25 days after 3 years of service.
• A mission-driven environment focused on delivering scalable, low-carbon energy solutions to meet growing global energy demand.
• A collaborative and international culture that values technical excellence, transparency, innovation, and cross-functional teamwork.