Shipyard Estimator

Nbutexas; North Kingstown (RI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Nbutexas, a well-established Rhode Island shipyard, seeks a senior cost estimator to lead bids on complex commercial vessels, including barges, tugs, ferries, and offshore wind support.

You will develop labor, material, and schedule estimates, review blueprints, and coordinate with engineering, production, and purchasing to ensure bid accuracy.

This full-time role offers growth opportunities, medical and retirement benefits, and a direct impact on which projects enter the shipyard.

Qualifications

• Develop complete labor, material, subcontractor, equipment, schedule, and overhead estimates for shipbuilding and repair.
• Review customer specifications and drawings to identify scope gaps, technical risks, and potential cost exposure.
• Perform vessel visits and ship checks to validate project scope before finalizing bids.
• Prepare proposals, bid summaries, submittals, and supporting documentation for executive review.
• Identify bonding, security, insurance, and other commercial requirements that could affect a bid.
• Pursue and evaluate new opportunities that align with the shipyard’s capabilities.
• Manage multiple active estimates while coordinating information from engineering, production, purchasing, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Clearly communicate assumptions, exclusions, risks, and recommended pricing strategy to operations leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost and schedule estimates for complex vessel projects and offshore wind works.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand the shipyard’s portfolio.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, purchasing, and vendors to ensure bid accuracy and feasibility.

Skills

Marine experience

Cost estimation

Blueprint reading

Reading drawings

USCG/maritime knowledge

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

Project

Word

Outlook

Job description

Join a well-established Rhode Island shipyard building and repairing complex commercial vessels, including barges, tugboats, ferries, and vessels supporting the offshore wind industry. This is a highly visible opportunity to lead detailed cost and schedule estimates, identify new business opportunities, and directly influence which projects enter the shipyard.

Benefits and Compensation

• $95,000-$125,000 base salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Career development and continued education opportunities
• Stable, full-time position with an established Northeast shipbuilder
• Exposure to new vessel construction, major repairs, and offshore wind projects
• Collaborative environment where employees have a direct impact on project success

Requirements & Qualifications

• 10+ years of marine, shipyard, ship repair, or marine engineering experience
• Demonstrated experience preparing detailed bids, proposals, and cost estimates
• Strong understanding of commercial vessels and shipyard production processes
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, technical data, and drawings
• Working knowledge of marine classification society rules, USCG regulations, and applicable maritime requirements
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Project, Word, and Outlook
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, marine technology, construction management, or a related field preferred but not required
• Ability to travel to customer facilities and vessels as needed

Must Haves

• Develop complete labor, material, subcontractor, equipment, schedule, and overhead estimates for shipbuilding and repair opportunities
• Review customer specifications and drawings to identify scope gaps, technical risks, special requirements, and potential cost exposure
• Perform vessel visits and ship checks to validate project scope before finalizing bids
• Prepare proposals, bid summaries, submittals, and supporting documentation for executive review
• Identify bonding, security, insurance, and other commercial requirements that could affect a bid
• Pursue and evaluate new opportunities that align with the shipyard’s capabilities
• Manage multiple active estimates while coordinating information from engineering, production, purchasing, vendors, and subcontractors
• Clearly communicate assumptions, exclusions, risks, and recommended pricing strategy to operations leadership