Nuclear Lead Estimator

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Nuclear Lead Estimator to join our team supporting some of the industry's most challenging and high-profile projects. In this role, you will lead the development of accurate and competitive cost estimates for large-scale, complex projects across specialized markets, including nuclear power.

The Nuclear Lead Estimator is responsible for performing comprehensive material takeoffs, cost analyses, estimate preparation, and presentation of discipline-specific estimates throughout the project lifecycle. This position plays a key role in supporting strategic project pursuits by providing reliable cost data and estimating expertise that drive informed business decisions.

In addition to project estimating responsibilities, you will contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating practices through the maintenance of historical cost databases, development of estimating tools and procedures, and mentorship of team members. 

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on complex, industry-leading projects while helping shape the future of our estimating organization.

District Overview

Kiewit Nuclear Canada is a full-service engineering, project management, and construction provider operating across North America. Our experience and expertise span all aspects of the nuclear-related market from carbon free, small modular reactors to Dept of Energy science, environmental and nuclear security mission capabilities. With these broad capabilities, we operate in the power utility, renewable energy, industrial, and infrastructure markets. As part of Kiewit, we are integrated with 140 years of construction and engineering excellence that provides holistic solutions, differentiating our team from the rest of the industry.

Our rapidly growing nuclear solutions business has opened new locations across North America to strengthen our market presence while executing work within the communities we live within and support. We are committed to build upon our history as one of the safest companies to work for by equipping our craft and staff with the best technology, processes, equipment, tools and safety programs available.

Location

This position is based in Oakville, Ontario. Flexible work arrangements may be available. Occasional travel to project sites and client offices may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead complete estimates for large, complex nuclear and major industrial projects, from initial strategy through final review and submission.
• Serve as the lead estimator for multidisciplinary pursuits, integrating mechanical, piping, structural, civil and other major scopes into a cohesive estimate.
• Develop the overall estimating and execution strategy, including constructability, sequencing, schedule, productivity, procurement, subcontracting, risks and opportunities.
• Maintain broad knowledge across mechanical equipment, piping, structural steel, concrete and related construction disciplines, engaging discipline experts as required.
• Review drawings, specifications and design criteria to identify scope requirements, assumptions, exclusions, risks and opportunities.
• Know the estimate inside and out, ensuring all disciplines are properly scoped, coordinated and aligned with the overall execution strategy.
• Work with engineering and discipline leads to incorporate design deliverables, constructability, lessons learned, historical costs and project-specific conditions.
• Challenge estimates and assumptions to identify the most competitive and executable approach while meeting nuclear quality and project requirements.
• Facilitate cross-discipline communication and resolve scope gaps, overlaps and inconsistencies.
• Lead reviews of major equipment, permanent materials, subcontract packages and vendor quotations.
• Develop procurement and subcontracting strategies and work with scheduling teams to align CPM schedules, resource loading and costs.
• Monitor key estimate metrics and communicate major assumptions, risks and variances to senior management.
• Lead estimate reviews and review work prepared by discipline teams, JV partners and subcontractors for completeness and consistency.
• Mentor estimators and discipline leads and promote strong estimating practices across the team.
• Demonstrate a strong win mentality, balancing competitiveness with realistic and executable project assumptions.
• Develop pursuit procurement strategy.  
• Supervise estimators in the preparation of estimates, review estimates prepared by other estimating groups or JV partners to determine completeness of data used, procedures, and aid in resolving differences in bid items. 

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive estimating or construction experience on major industrial projects, including leadership of complex multidisciplinary estimates.
• Experience in nuclear, power generation or other highly complex industrial construction environments strongly preferred.
• Broad construction knowledge across multiple disciplines, particularly mechanical, piping and structural scopes.
• Demonstrated ability to own an entire major project estimate, coordinate discipline leads and integrate multiple scopes into a complete pricing and execution strategy.
• Strong understanding of industrial construction means and methods, constructability, sequencing, labor productivity, equipment, materials and subcontracting.
• Experience with CPM scheduling, historical cost data, benchmarking and key estimating metrics.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills, with the ability to present complex estimate strategies to senior management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Collaborative, hands-on leader with the ability to see the big picture while understanding the details behind the estimate.
• Ideally experienced with build and self-perform construction experience 
• Exceptionally strong attention to detail, communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.

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