Senior EPC Estimator - Power, Process & Nuclear

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

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