Project Estimator

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Project Overview:

Bechtel and Westinghouse Electric Company have partnered to deliver the first nuclear power reactors in Poland for our customer, the Polish Entity Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe (PEJ). Bechtel will be the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the project. As the EPC, our responsibilities will include providing the design for the Turbine Island and Balance of Plant as well as the construction of the entire facility.

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, and we are looking for the talent that will help expand Poland’s nuclear base and build a strong and long-lasting energy future for generations to come.

Job Summary:

Prepares and reviews the preparation and presentation of general and/or discipline project estimates.  Responsible for conceptual estimating, cost analysis and estimate planning, coordination, and consolidation.  Responsible for directing cost estimate efforts on a major project or on multiple small projects.  Provides estimating assistance and guidance to the project.  Performs department organizational and administrative activities when delegated. 

Major Responsibilities:

The following duties are performed with respect to Estimate Execution, the process of conducting an evaluation of services and/or capital cost elements of a project or effort as defined by an agreed-upon scope that will be used to make key management decisions:

• Manages the development of estimates from inception to completion. Develops an achievable estimate plan, inclusive of budget, and leads the estimating team in executing the estimate.
• Consolidates the estimate components and prepares the proposal cost volume and bid forms.
• Reviews estimates and ensures quality and integrity.
• Prepares basis and assumption documentation. Ensures lessons learned are incorporated.
• Reviews design or Request for Proposal (RFP) scope criteria and quantities for completeness and reasonableness, and coordinates with the project to develop additional estimating basis when information is incomplete.
• Fully understands the needs of the customer. Suggests alternatives when appropriate.
• Establishes and reviews the conceptual scopes of estimates and studies when definition is not available through a demonstrated ability to conceptualize the design of the finished product.
• Demonstrates specialized contingency skills to compensate for undefined scope.
• Supports bid evaluation of cost and schedule criteria and prepares bid evaluations. May participate in discussions with vendors.
• Prepares non-manual, distributable or contractors indirect cost estimates, developing basis for temporary facilities, miscellaneous construction services, construction tools and equipment, non‑manual staffing, startup services, payroll taxes and insurance, camp facilities and operation, and other field costs.
• Effectively presents the estimate’s management review package to the estimate team, department management and to business line management. Schedules internal reviews.
• Prepares and provides guidance in the preparation of proposal cash flow models and working capital analysis.
• Allocates indirect costs and fee to owner pay items when required.
• Performs and reviews escalation calculations for estimates of complex jobs.
• Identifies ways to mitigate risk. Assesses the uncertainties associated with productivity, material pricing, wage rates and quantity variation.

The following duties are performed with respect to the process of establishing and maintaining technical capabilities for personnel, cost databases and tools:

• Supports development of estimating standards and procedures.
• Sponsors, develops, and presents training in areas of expertise for courses and on‑the‑job training.
• Performs analysis on received commercial data.

The following duties are performed with respect to providing support services to projects/sites in the form of external cost analysis and estimate reviews in addition to estimate-to-budget conversions:

• Travels to project sites and offices as needed to support requests for proposals and change order efforts.
• Prepares cost studies utilizing historical data, statistical analysis and cost and quantity comparisons. Develops new techniques as required to meet specific needs.
• Converts estimates into project budgets with the execution team clearly communicating assumptions and rationale. Assists projects in identifying scope deviations.
• Analyzes cost/price data from suppliers/subcontractors, Cost Processors, EPPR, and QURR with the ability to generate comparative data (historical costs and other metrics) as part of the cost/price analysis.
• Participates in and contributes to Value Engineering studies.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 8-10  years of relevant experience or 12-14 years of relevant work experience

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Possess the legal right to work and remain in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must be able to pass nuclear security screening requirements and be able to obtain and maintain unescorted access to a nuclear power facility.
• Must be able to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check including verification of employment, education, and travel.
• Demonstrated understanding of Estimating core processes requiring minimal direction and supervision.
• Knowledge of estimating software tools.
• Advanced knowledge of EPC estimating methods, processes, and procedures. Understands estimate types, classifications, and components.
• Specifically understands detail level estimates and design packages. Experience with Lump Sum, Design Build, Cost Reimbursable, and/or OOM estimates.
• Significant knowledge and experience in quantity takeoffs, statistical analysis, cost and price analysis, life cycle analysis.
• Skilled in understanding technical discipline processes, engineering drawings, quantity determinations, and financials.
• Advanced knowledge of construction methods and a general understanding of other disciplines.
• Thorough understanding of project cash flows and the corresponding time value of money as the cost of working capital.
• Thorough understanding of cost index and escalation projection sources.
• Understands and contributes to risk and contingency assessments.
• Advanced proficiency in software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Skilled in oral and written communications, including presentation skills and ability to address a group of supervisors.
• Willing and able to travel to project sites and offices as needed to support requests for proposal and change order efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people of varied backgrounds and objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Controls leadership experience on nuclear power plant projects.
• Intermediate knowledge of the applicable Bechtel processes and systems.
• EPC/EPCM experience on major infrastructure programs.

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

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We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.