Director, Estimating And Preconstruction

About Valar AtomicsAt Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable—unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.
The RoleWe’re looking for an experienced Director of Estimating & Preconstruction to lead construction estimating, cost planning, and preconstruction across Valar’s infrastructure programs. You’ll partner closely with engineering, project management, procurement, finance, and field teams to turn evolving designs into credible budgets, practical construction plans, and clearly defined scopes of work.
You’ll own the development of construction estimates from early feasibility through detailed design and procurement, establishing the cost baselines and assumptions that guide project decisions. As projects move into execution, you’ll support major change evaluations and use field performance to improve future estimates.
The right person combines deep estimating expertise with practical construction experience, strong commercial judgment, and the ability to work through incomplete information. You’re comfortable challenging assumptions, explaining cost and schedule tradeoffs, and building the team, processes, and tools needed to deliver complex infrastructure at scale.
Key Responsibilities
Lead conceptual, budgetary, and detailed construction estimates across Valar’s projects, incorporating labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor pricing, indirect costs, escalation, and contingency.
Establish and document the basis of each estimate, including scope, quantities, productivity assumptions, exclusions, allowances, risks, and the level of confidence supported by design maturity.
Partner with Engineering and Construction to evaluate constructability, sequencing, site logistics, labor availability, and execution methods before major commitments are made.
Lead cost comparisons and value engineering with technical teams, identifying opportunities to improve delivery while meeting safety, quality, performance, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Work with Procurement and project teams to develop bid packages, clarify scope boundaries, compare contractor and supplier proposals on a consistent basis, and recommend awards.
Develop independent estimates to support negotiations and evaluate major contractor proposals and change orders.
Identify and quantify cost and schedule risks, recommend appropriate contingencies, and communicate unresolved assumptions and decisions to leadership.
Establish approved construction cost baselines with Project Management, Project Controls, and Finance, aligning estimates with project schedules and cost-coding structures.
Provide forecast expenditure timing and construction cost scenarios to support Finance’s cash-flow planning and capital allocation.
Lead the handoff of estimates, scope assumptions, procurement status, and identified risks to execution teams;
support forecast reviews and major cost decisions during construction.
Build and maintain estimating standards, tools, historical cost data, and benchmarks, incorporating actual quantities, productivity, and completed-project results.
Distinguish initial development and first-project costs from repeat construction costs, identifying evidence-based opportunities to reduce costs across future deployments.
Build and lead internal and external estimating resources as the program grows, establishing clear review standards and accountability for estimate quality.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in construction finance, project finance, project controls, cost management, or a related role on capital projects.
Strong experience with construction cost tracking, forecasting, cash-flow management, and variance analysis.
Familiarity with contractor billings, change orders, progress payments, and construction contract structures.
Strong financial modeling skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Ability to produce clear, executive-ready financial materials under tight deadlines.
Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with field teams.
Willingness to spend time on-site and travel to project locations as needed.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Experience in energy, infrastructure, industrial, or large capital construction projects.
Experience with capital budgeting, funding plans, or project cost reporting on multi-phase projects.
Exposure to a startup, high-growth company, or similarly fast-paced environment.
Ability to grow into a broader construction finance leadership role as Valar scales.
Comfort working in ambiguous, rapidly changing environments with competing priorities.
What We Offer
Competitive base salary
Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
Comprehensive medical benefits
Unlimited PTO
Free daily lunch provided on-site
Generous PPE stipend
High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders
The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up
Equal Employment Opportunity StatementValar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
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