Principal Estimator
Listed on 2026-07-03
-
Engineering
Estimator, Civil Engineering -
Construction
Estimator, Civil Engineering
Dagen is recruiting a Principal Estimator for our growing downtown LNG client.
This is an in-office position.
We are seeking an experienced Principal Estimator with a strong background in project controls to join our team. This position will be located in Houston, Texas and will report to the Vice President, Estimating.
The Principal Estimator will play a crucial role in accurately assessing project costs and timelines, contributing to effective project planning and decision-making and be responsible for developing a variety of estimates including LNG Process Plant Conceptual estimates, Small Capital Project estimates including equipment replacements, and Maintenance/Outage estimating. The Principal Estimator serves as a subject matter expert (SME), mentor, and reviewer for complex estimates and plays a key role in management reviews and investment decision support.
The ideal candidate should possess 10-15 years of estimating experience, a thorough knowledge of construction execution practices, excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and a keen attention to detail, excellent analytical skills, and a deep understanding of project management principles. Candidates should have good presentation skills to a wide variety of audiences.
The Project Estimator will be responsible for interfacing with all estimate development team members such as Engineering, Procurement, Contracts, Construction and Operations as well as assisting with the coordination of the effort with the Project Management team and the discipline estimating team.
Key Responsibilities- Develop order-of-magnitude and feasibility estimates using parametric or capacity based models
- Perform cost benchmarking and support screening of bids or proposals
- Support the change management program and conduct variance analysis from budget
- Prepare Turnaround cost estimates and support maintenance budget estimates
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather project requirements, scope, and specifications.
- Analyze project documentation, including drawings, contracts, and technical documents, to develop comprehensive estimates.
- Utilize industry-specific software and tools to create accurate cost breakdowns, including materials, labor, equipment, and overhead expenses.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, procurement and construction specialists to ensure alignment of estimates with project goals and objectives, in line with area of responsibility.
- Identify potential risks and uncertainties that could impact project costs and schedules.
- Assist in the evaluation of bid proposals by providing analysis of cost estimates and supporting documentation.
- Continuously monitor and update estimate details as new information becomes available for their area of expertise.
- Participate in regular project review meetings to provide insights into cost-related matters and to adjust estimates based on project progress.
- Assist in the collation and summarization of historical information related to the project and assist with the creation of benchmark information for estimate comparison and analysis
- Other duties as needed
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
- Proven track record of estimating and project controls experience in construction, engineering, or a related industry.
- Experience in LNG Industry as well as Power production industry, preferred
- Strong proficiency in project estimation software, cost modeling tools, Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse stakeholders.
- Knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and trends related to cost estimation and project controls.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and adapt to changing project requirements.
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple estimates and priorities simultaneously
- This is a full-time position in the office.
- Travel to other project sites may be required.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package offered.
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).