Construction Cost Estimator - Thermal Power Generation Projects

Construction Cost Estimator

Jacobs is seeking an experienced Construction Cost Estimator to support the development of accurate, defensible, and well-documented cost estimates for large-scale thermal power generation facilities. This role is central to ensuring high-quality cost forecasting across engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases. Working under the direction of the Project Controls Manager, this position develops detailed estimates, analyzes cost drivers, evaluates subcontractor proposals, and supports project teams in achieving predictable cost outcomes. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of power plant construction methods, strong analytical skills, and a proven ability to develop estimates for complex, multi-discipline industrial projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed construction cost estimates for thermal power generation projects, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and controls scopes.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs from engineering drawings, P&IDs, equipment lists, and specifications to support conceptual, FEED, and detailed-design estimates.
• Analyze labor, material, equipment, subcontract, and indirect cost components to produce accurate and transparent cost models.
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals for completeness, scope alignment, pricing accuracy, and risk considerations.
• Support development of EPC bid packages, cost baselines, and budget allocations for major equipment, bulk materials, and construction services.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to validate design assumptions, construction quantities, and material specifications.
• Work closely with construction teams to incorporate productivity factors, crew compositions, construction sequencing, and site-specific conditions into estimates.
• Develop and maintain cost databases, benchmarking tools, and historical cost records for thermal power plant systems and components.
• Identify cost risks, opportunities, and value-engineering options to support project decision-making.
• Prepare estimate narratives, basis-of-estimate documentation, and cost variance analyses for internal and client review.
• Support project controls teams during execution by providing estimate-to-actual comparisons, trend analysis, and forecast updates.
• Ensure compliance with Jacobs estimating standards, client requirements, and industry best practices.

Preferred Location: Greenville, SC. Will consider any Jacobs office location nationwide.

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field; equivalent industry experience considered.
• 5+ years of experience preparing construction cost estimates for EPC, industrial, or thermal power generation projects.
• Strong working knowledge of thermal power plant construction, including mechanical systems, HRSG/boiler components, rotating equipment, electrical distribution, and balance-of-plant systems.
• Proficiency with estimating software and tools such as Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE), Sage, RSMeans, or equivalent platforms.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and construction work packages.
• Demonstrated experience developing quantity takeoffs, evaluating subcontractor proposals, and building detailed cost models.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple estimates in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with engineering, procurement, construction, and project controls teams.

Posted Salary Range: Minimum $123,600.00. Upper $162,300.00.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.