Cost Estimator; NETL

Mission

Waséyabek Federal Services, LLC (WFS) is a 100% Tribally owned, Native American SBA 8(a) small business of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP). WFS is part of a portfolio of companies managed by Waséyabek Development Company, LLC, a 100% Tribally owned economic development firm focused on income diversification on behalf of NHBP that reaches beyond gaming is a well‑funded, experienced small business, with substantial liquid assets and experience in federal contracting.

WFS has borrowing capacity to meet the daily cash needs of new business development, new award support, and operational working capital. WFS is well‑versed in federal contract compliance and providing outstanding support services.

The R&D Cost Estimator will report to the WFS R&D Support Manager and be responsible for developing accurate, timely, and detailed cost estimates for research and development (R&D) work requests from the United States Department of Energy at three National Energy Technology Laboratory locations. Work requests will range from small reactive maintenance requests to pilot scale design‑build efforts. This role requires extensive knowledge of construction means and methods, scheduling, and cost principles.

The ideal candidate will be adetail‑oriented, self‑starter who can manage deadlines, communicate effectively and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

• Receive work requests and track individual estimate submittals via shared Excel workbook
• Meet with work requestors over Microsoft Teams and in laboratory spaces to fully develop work scope and delivery time frames
• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates within ten (10) business days of receipt
• Identify project uncertainties and risks so that applicable contingency can be applied to estimates
• Work with schedulers and project managers to develop project schedules aligned with requestor needs
• Participate in routine weekly and monthly meetings to discuss work request estimate status
• Track work execution and establish a historical knowledge base for constant improvement of cost estimate accuracy
• Use artificial intelligence (AI) tools for improved estimate accuracy and efficiency
• Work closely with subcontractors to obtain bids for outsourced work
• Perform additional functions not specifically outlined in this position description as directed by the R&D Support Manager.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related field is required
• Minimum of five (5) years' estimating and bidding experience
• Experience with integrated design-to-build workflows in an R&D or construction setting
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for team and client interactions
• Exceptional organizational skills and a keen attention to detail
• Have a willingness and ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Leadership qualities with experience in mentoring and team development
• Ability and willingness to travel to alternate sites to meet with requestors and walk jobs
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under strict deadlines

Strong computer skills, including proficiency with:

• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Ability to pass an extensive background investigation, including but not limited to personal and professional financial history, nationwide criminal record search, credit check and other relevant background information deemed necessary by WDC.

• Fifteen (15) years' estimating experience in an R&D or construction setting
• Professional estimating certification(s) such as Certified Cost Professional (CCP) & Certified Professional Estimator (CPE)
• Primavera P6, Deltek Costpoint & AutoCAD experience
• Project Management Professional certification (PMP)
• Prior experience working at NETL in support of R&D projects
• Experienced in identifying, quantifying and mitigating project risks
• Prior knowledge or experience working with a Native American Tribe.

• Flexibility…