Senior Estimator (Capital Projects)
Location: Richland, WA
Contract: Long-term contract. Initial 12 months with strong likelihood of multi-year extensions or conversion.
Pay: $75–$97.50/hr based on experience
Schedule: 4 days x 10 hours, Monday through Thursday
Work model: Hybrid. Approximately 50% remote. Candidate must be able to travel to the Richland office a few times per month or as needed at their own expense.
Per diem: Not available
CRG benefits available after 30 days of employment.
Role Overview
The Senior Estimator is responsible for developing, reviewing, coordinating, and communicating all levels of project and program cost estimates in support of large, complex capital and expense projects at a highly regulated power generation facility.
This role partners closely with project management, engineering, planning, procurement, and construction teams to ensure scopes are well defined and estimates are accurate, defensible, and aligned with project objectives. The Senior Estimator supports projects from early conceptual development through fully defined execution-ready scopes and plays a key role in long-range planning, financial predictability, and risk management.
Develop and oversee preliminary, rough order of magnitude, budgetary, and definitive cost estimates based on scope, complexity, and project phase
Participate as an active member of project teams, attending planning, engineering, and project meetings
Review engineering drawings, specifications, and design change packages to validate scope and estimate assumptions
Perform site walkdowns with project managers, system engineers, and technical stakeholders to support estimate accuracy and constructability
Develop detailed labor estimates for craft labor, professional services, and specialty contractors using historical data, benchmarks, and vendor bids
Evaluate vendor and contractor proposals and support procurement activities related to pricing, labor trends, and equipment and material costs
Assess estimate risks, contingencies, assumptions, exclusions, and accuracy ranges
Support the development, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of long-range capital and expense planning
Monitor and help establish financial indicators to support cost predictability and management confidence
Maintain estimating databases, historical cost records, and supporting documentation
Present estimate basis and methodologies to project leadership and management as needed
Support major outage planning and execution activities when required
Participate in safety meetings, department meetings, and other assigned activities
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of 10 years of industrial experience developing engineering, procurement, and construction estimates across multiple estimate classes
OR
High school diploma or GED and a minimum of 12 years of industrial experience developing engineering, procurement, and construction estimates, including at least 7 years of direct cost estimating experience or professional estimating certifications from recognized industry organizations
Required Certifications and Compliance
PMP certification required
U.S. citizenship required
Ability to obtain and maintain site access credentials, including background screening, fitness-for-duty testing, and completion of required security documentation
Preferred Experience
Project estimating experience in a commercial nuclear power plant or similarly regulated industrial environment
Strong understanding of plant systems, system interrelationships, design basis, and regulatory requirements
Experience supporting large capital projects and long-range planning efforts
Degree in engineering or construction management
Advanced degrees or additional project management or estimating certifications
Required Skills and Abilities
Strong knowledge of industrial plant design, engineering, maintenance, and construction processes
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel with working knowledge of Project, Word, and PowerPoint
Solid understanding of project management principles, cost control, and financial analysis
Strong analytical, mathematical, and data validation skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Clear written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to senior leadership
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams
Ability to establish priorities, manage scope, and understand interdependencies across projects
Work Environment
This role supports complex, long-term capital projects in a highly regulated environment with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and financial accountability. The hybrid structure provides flexibility while maintaining regular engagement with on-site project teams in Richland, WA.