Senior Cost Estimator

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Cost Estimator to support large-scale pharmaceutical capital projects, including new manufacturing facilities, expansions, and major retrofits. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate cost forecasting, budget control, and informed decision-making across the full project lifecycle, from concept through execution.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical estimating expertise, a solid understanding of pharmaceutical GMP environments, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, procurement, construction, and project controls teams.

• Develop and maintain Class 5 through Class 1 cost estimates for pharmaceutical capital projects (conceptual, preliminary, and definitive).
• Prepare detailed capital cost estimates covering engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and validation activities.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, schedules, and execution strategies to generate accurate quantity takeoffs and pricing.
• Support budget development, cost benchmarking, and value engineering initiatives.
• Evaluate contractor and vendor bids; perform bid leveling and cost analysis.
• Maintain and improve cost databases, estimating norms, and historical benchmarks for pharmaceutical projects.
• Assess and document risk, contingency, and escalation assumptions in alignment with project governance standards.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, schedulers, and procurement teams to align scope, schedule, and cost.
• Support change management by evaluating cost impacts of scope changes and design evolution.
• Prepare clear, defensible estimate reports and presentations for internal stakeholders and leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• 7+ years of cost estimating experience on large capital projects
  , preferably in pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated industrial environments.
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical facilities
  , including clean rooms, utilities (WFI, clean steam, HVAC), process equipment, and GMP considerations.
• Proficiency with estimating tools and software (e.g., Aspen Capital Cost Estimator, Cleopatra, Eco Sys, Excel-based models).
• Solid understanding of project delivery models (EPCM, EPC, CM-at-Risk).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Experience supporting mega-projects or multi-hundred-million-dollar capital programs
  .
• Familiarity with validation and commissioning cost drivers in GMP environments.
• Professional certifications such as AACE, CCP, or CCE
  .
• Experience working within formal stage-gate or FEL-based project governance frameworks.
• High attention to detail with a strong sense of cost discipline
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, matrixed teams
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, highly regulated environments
• Strong judgment in dealing with uncertainty and incomplete information

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact pharmaceutical capital projects that support life-changing therapies. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative environment with strong visibility and influence over project outcomes.