Cost Estimator - Data Centers

SLB • Houston, TX

11h

About The Position

SLB New Energy & Industrial (NEI) is a division of SLB, a global company driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. NEI's portfolio includes ventures in carbon capture and sequestration, geothermal power, energy storage, sustainable battery-grade lithium, hydrogen, and Data center infrastructure solutions. Their Data Center infrastructure solutions business provides innovative and cost-effective solutions that enable building faster, smarter, and more resilient data centers, scaling AI and cloud computing capacity while minimizing capital risk and deployment delays. SLB is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Cost Estimator to develop accurate, data-driven cost estimates during the tendering and pre-construction phase of Data Center projects. The Cost Estimator will build the full project cost structure used for client proposals, ensuring pricing reflects scope, market conditions, execution strategy, and risk considerations. This role works closely with engineering, supply chain, and commercial leadership to translate project requirements into structured cost models for bid submissions. Following proposal submission, the Cost Estimator supports commercial negotiations before formally handing over the project cost structure to the Cost Controller once the project is awarded.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, or Quantity Surveying or 15+ years of progressive estimating experience.
• 10 to 15 years of experience in estimating or cost development for large-scale construction or industrial projects.
• Strong understanding of quantity take-offs, unit-rate development, and construction methods across civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical works.
• Proven ability to translate technical scopes into clear, defensible cost estimates.
• Experience supporting competitive tenders with multiple subcontractor and supplier interfaces.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Candidates must be able to legally work and reside in the US, without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Data Center or mission-critical facility estimating is highly preferred.
• Professional certification such as AACE CEP, CCP, or MRICS is preferred.
• Training in advanced estimating software or data analytics tools is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop full project cost estimates during the tender phase including materials, labor, equipment, subcontracting, logistics, and indirect costs.
• Convert client scope, drawings, and technical documentation into quantities, take-offs, and estimate build-ups.
• Build and maintain cost databases, unit-rate libraries, and historical benchmarks to support future estimates.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain to obtain subcontractor and vendor pricing and validate scope alignment.
• Support commercial strategy development by preparing cost scenarios, sensitivities, and risk-adjusted estimate options.
• Prepare estimate narratives, basis-of-estimate documentation, and pricing summaries for client submissions.
• Support the Commercial Manager during bid clarification, negotiation, and contract award discussions from a cost perspective.
• Participate in project handover following award by transferring estimate assumptions, cost structures, and commercial inputs to the Cost Controller and execution team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior