Project Estimator

Airswift; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Airswift seeks a Project Estimator to support owner-side estimating across pipeline and midstream projects in Houston, TX. This 12-month assignment requires strong cost estimating, planning, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, procurement, and construction teams.

The role demands hands-on field experience, detailed takeoffs, and the ability to develop comprehensive cost estimates, reviews with management, and clear proposals while ensuring compliance with industry standards and

Qualifications

• Experience in project development space, capable of early-stage estimates.
• 10+ years in estimating, planning, or controls in pipeline/oil&gas.
• Hands-on field construction experience required.
• Strong Excel skills; Power BI a plus.
• Excellent communication with VP/senior management.

Responsibilities

• Bid Development: Analyze project documents to prepare lump-sum or unit-rate estimates.
• Cost Analysis: Calculate costs for material, labor, equipment, subcontractors, and contingencies.
• Collaborate with engineers, procurement, and project managers to validate scopes and takeoffs.
• Participate in final estimate review meetings.
• Review drawings, specs, and bid documents for pipeline projects (oil, gas, water, utilities).
• Perform quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, and equipment.
• Develop detailed cost estimates and bid packages.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes.
• Analyze project risks and incorporate contingencies into estimates.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field teams.
• Maintain cost databases and historical project data.
• Prepare and present proposals to management or clients.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.

Skills

Cost estimating

Project planning

Project controls

Advanced Excel

Power BI

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

One of our major oil and gas clients is seeking a Project Estimator to work on a 12 - month assignment in their facilities in Hoston, TX.

Summary

The Project Estimator will provide owner?side estimating support across multiple pipeline and midstream projects. This role will support approximately 3 to 5 active projects at a time and requires strong pipeline and construction knowledge, additional to hands?on field experience. The estimator will work closely with Project Development, Business Development, Engineering, and Construction teams to prepare and review cost estimates, support early?stage project evaluations, and help guide project decision?making.This is a high?visibility role that requires strong communication skills, the ability to operate across multiple groups, and a polished, professional presence.

Responsibilities

• Bid Development: Analyze project documents (drawings, specifications, RFQs) to prepare comprehensive, competitive lump-sum or unit-rate estimates.
• Cost Analysis: Calculate costs for material, labor, equipment, subcontractors, and contingencies for pipelines, compressor stations, and related facilities.
• Collaborate & Coordinate: Work with engineers, procurement, and project managers to validate scopes of work and ensure accurate material takeoffs.
• Participate in final estimate review meetings
• Review project drawings, specifications, and bid documents for pipeline projects (oil, gas, water, or utilities)
• Perform quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, and equipment
• Develop detailed cost estimates and bid packages
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes
• Analyze project risks and incorporate contingencies into estimates
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field teams
• Maintain cost databases and historical project data
• Prepare and present proposals to management or clients
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies

Requirements

• Experience in the project development space not just execution; needs ability to build estimates in the early phases pre-full funding and in the conceptual stage.
• Previous experience in a closely related position.
• Advanced level proficiency in Cost Estimating, Project Planning and Project Controls.
• Strong Influencing, consulting, mentoring, analytical, and computing skills.
• Adaptability to changing priorities.
• Ability to organize, plan, control, coordinate, and effectively manage cross-functional activities.
• Approximately 10+ years of experience in estimating, construction planning, or project controls within the pipeline, midstream, or oil & gas industry.
• Must have hands‑on field construction experience (pipeline or heavy industrial preferred).
• Strong Excel skills required; Power BI experience is a plus.
• Experience coordinating with project managers, engineers, BD teams, and senior leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Professional, polished, and able to navigate interactions with VPs and senior management.