Estimator IV

Zachry Group•Downers Grove, IL

18d

About The Position

Zachry Engineering Corporation is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to support capital cost estimating for major EPC projects in power generation, process, chemical, energy transition, and nuclear industries. The role leads estimating efforts from conceptual studies through detailed engineering, producing accurate, defensible cost estimates that help clients and project teams assess project viability and make investment decisions. The successful candidate brings extensive EPC estimating experience, can lead estimate teams, coordinate with engineering disciplines, assess project risks, and present estimate results to project leadership and clients. The position requires strong knowledge of labor, equipment, materials, subcontracting, indirect costs, escalation, and contingency development.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Business, or a related technical field.
10+ years of estimating experience supporting EPC, EPCM, design-build, or major capital project environments.
Demonstrated 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 construction means and methods, labor productivity, equipment costs, indirect costs, escalation, and contingency development.
Experience reviewing engineering deliverables, including PFDs, P&IDs, plot plans, equipment lists, specifications, and quantity takeoffs.
Ability to lead estimate teams and coordinate multidisciplinary estimate development efforts.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to effectively present estimate results to senior leadership and clients.

Nice To Haves

Experience estimating combined-cycle power generation projects.
Experience supporting nuclear or Department of Energy projects.
Aspen Capital Cost Estimator experience or certification.
Experience with risk analysis and contingency modeling.
Experience supporting proposals exceeding $100M in total installed cost.
Knowledge of project controls, scheduling, earned value management, and cost forecasting processes.

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.
Use historical data, benchmarking, and productivity metrics to validate estimate accuracy and identify improvement opportunities.
Perform quantity reviews and estimate validation using engineering deliverables, vendor quotations, and historical project information.
Evaluate project risks and develop contingency recommendations based on estimate maturity and project complexity.
Lead estimate review meetings and present 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 align estimating with scheduling, forecasting, and project execution strategies.
Support estimate-to-project handoff activities and provide estimating support during project execution as required.