Senior Estimator

WorkNovaX; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

WorkNovaX in Tucson, AZ seeks a Senior Estimator to develop capital and construction estimates for mining, mineral processing, and heavy industrial projects across the full lifecycle. You will build defensible estimates with limited engineering data and coordinate with engineering, procurement, project controls, construction, and leadership.

You will apply multiple methodologies, validate quantities from PFDs/P&IDs/drawings, and produce transparent Basis of Estimate documents while benchmarking

Qualifications

• 10+ years estimating and/or construction experience on mining, mineral processing, heavy industrial, or comparable capital projects.
• Ability to develop independently both early-phase capital estimates and detailed construction estimates.
• Strong knowledge of construction means/methods, craft labor, productivity, equipment, materials, subcontracting, and indirect costs.
• Ability to estimate from incomplete engineering information.

Responsibilities

• Develop multidisciplinary estimates for all project phases (conceptual, PEA, PFS, FS, FEED, detailed engineering, definitive, construction budgets).
• Apply appropriate estimation methodologies based on project maturity and data availability.
• Cover full scope including site development, earthworks, process equipment, piping, electrical, instrumentation, utilities, and commissioning.
• Develop/validate quantities from PFDs, P&IDs, drawings, 3D models, MTOs and vendor data.
• Build detailed construction estimates with labor, materials, equipment, subcontract and indirect costs reflecting site conditions.
• Solicit/review vendor and subcontractor pricing; benchmark and reconcile estimates.

Skills

Estimating

Excel proficiency

Project controls

Vendor negotiation

Communication

Mining estimation

Tools

Estimating software/database

Job description

Tucson, United States | Posted on 08/17/2026

Our client is looking for a Senior Estimator to develop capital independently and construction cost estimates for mining, mineral processing, and heavy industrial projects across the full project lifecycle—from conceptual/feasibility studies through detailed engineering, procurement, and construction.

Requires strong EPCM capital estimating + hands-on construction estimating experience. Must produce defensible estimates with limited engineering definition and detailed labor/material/equipment/subcontract/indirect costs as design matures. Own assigned estimates while collaborating with engineering, procurement, project controls, construction, and project leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop multidisciplinary estimates for all project phases (conceptual, PEA, PFS, FS, FEED, detailed engineering, definitive, construction budgets, bid evaluations, change orders, forecasts).
• Apply the right methodology (parametric, factored, equipment-based, historical, quantity-based, unit-rate, bottom-up, quotation-based) based on project maturity.
• Cover full scope: site development, earthworks, concrete, structural steel, buildings, process equipment (crushing, grinding, mineral processing), piping, electrical, instrumentation, utilities, temporary facilities, construction equipment/indirects, engineering/EPCM, freight, commissioning, owner’s costs, escalation & contingency.
• Develop/validate quantities from PFDs, P&IDs, drawings, 3D models, MTOs, and vendor data; use historical factors and judgment when details are limited.
• Build detailed construction estimates (labor rates, crew mixes, productivity, equipment, materials, subcontract, indirects) that reflect site-specific conditions (location, weather, congestion, schedule, etc.).
• Solicit/review vendor and subcontractor pricing; normalize bids for accurate comparison.
• Prepare clear, transparent Basis of Estimate documents.
• Benchmark and reconcile estimates; explain cost movements and identify major cost drivers and optimization opportunities.
• Support project teams in kickoffs, design/constructability reviews, risk workshops, value engineering, and client presentations. Challenge unrealistic assumptions.
  

Requirements

• 10+ years estimating and/or construction experience on mining, mineral processing, heavy industrial, or comparable capital projects.
• Proven ability to develop independently both early-phase capital estimates and detailed construction estimates.
• Strong knowledge of construction means/methods, craft labor, productivity, equipment, materials, subcontracting, and indirect costs.
• Ability to estimate from incomplete engineering information.
• Strong Excel and estimating software/database skills.
• Clear communicator of methodology, assumptions, risks, and results.