Project Estimator

Ellaway Blues Consulting; Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas (TX, TX, TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A consulting firm in Texas is seeking an experienced Project Estimator to support the planning, budgeting, and execution of large-scale capital projects. The ideal candidate will develop accurate cost estimates, evaluate risks, and collaborate closely with engineering and construction teams. Strong technical knowledge and over 5 years of experience in industrial construction or large facility builds are required. Key responsibilities include supporting budgeting processes and preparing estimate documentation for leadership approval.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating experience supporting capital projects.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings and construction methodologies.
• Experience developing various class estimates.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost estimates for all phases of capital projects.
• Analyze documents to prepare accurate cost breakdowns.
• Support budgeting processes aligned with project scope.

Skills

Estimating

Collaboration

Analytical skills

Financial skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Estimating software (e.g., Aspen, Cleopatra)

Excel

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Project Estimator to support the planning, budgeting, and execution of large-scale capital projects. This role plays a critical part in shaping project feasibility and investment decisions by developing accurate cost estimates, evaluating risks, and partnering closely with engineering, construction, procurement, and project management teams. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-moving project environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and detailed cost estimates for capital projects across all phases (feasibility through execution).
• Analyze drawings, specifications, scope documents, and vendor information to prepare accurate cost breakdowns.
• Build and maintain standardized estimating tools, cost databases, and benchmarking references.
• Support budgeting and capital planning processes, ensuring estimates are aligned with project scope and execution strategies.
• Work closely with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction teams to validate quantities, assumptions, and project risks.
• Evaluate contractor and supplier bids; perform cost comparisons and recommendations.
• Identify cost drivers, opportunities for value engineering, and potential scope gaps.
• Support project scheduling teams to develop cost-loaded schedules and progress measurement.
• Develop contingency assessments and support risk reviews.
• Prepare estimate documentation, presentations, and executive summaries for leadership approval.
• Support change management by evaluating cost impacts of design or scope changes throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Quantity Surveying, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of estimating experience supporting capital projects, industrial construction, infrastructure, or large facility builds.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, specifications, and construction methodologies.
• Experience developing Class 5 through Class 1 estimates preferred.
• Proficiency with estimating software and tools (e.g., Aspen Capital Cost Estimator, Cleopatra, RSMeans, Sage, Excel-based models, etc.).
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly present cost assumptions and findings to leadership.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in heavy industrial, advanced manufacturing, energy, mining, or large-scale facility construction.
• Prior exposure to EPC/EPCM project delivery environments.
• Experience supporting fast-paced, multi-phase capital development programs.
• Knowledge of project controls, scheduling, and earned value concepts.