Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Cost Estimator to join our fabrication shop in Nisku, AB. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for industrial fabrication projects supporting Alberta's oil and gas industry. This role requires a thorough understanding of module fabrication, shop fabrication workflows, labour productivity, material procurement, subcontractor pricing, and industrial construction practices. The successful candidate will work closely with operations, project management, procurement, and clients to develop estimates that are technically sound, commercially competitive, and aligned with project execution strategies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for industrial fabrication projects, including structural steel, piping, skids, modules, pressure equipment, and miscellaneous fabricated components.
- Review client RFQs, engineering drawings, specifications, material takeoffs, and bid documents.
- Develop detailed estimates covering labour, materials, equipment, subcontractors, freight, indirect costs, overhead, contingency, and profit.
- Solicit and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Prepare commercial and technical proposals in accordance with client requirements.
- Participate in bid review meetings and pricing strategy discussions.
- Maintain organized estimating files and historical cost databases.
Quantity Takeoffs & Scope Development:
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from structural drawings, piping isometrics, general arrangement drawings, and fabrication packages.
- Develop work breakdown structures (WBS) and estimate summaries.
- Identify scope gaps, exclusions, assumptions, and commercial risks.
- Prepare Requests for Information (RFIs) where clarification is required.
Cost Analysis & Project Support
- Develop labour hour estimates based on fabrication methodologies and historical productivity.
- Evaluate fabrication strategies to improve estimate accuracy and project competitiveness.
- Support project handover by providing estimate reviews, cost breakdowns, and budget documentation.
- Assist project teams with change order pricing and additional scope estimates throughout project execution.
- Support post-project reviews by comparing estimated versus actual costs to improve future estimating accuracy.
Continuous Improvement
- Maintain labour productivity databases and estimating benchmarks.
- Monitor market trends affecting labour, material, equipment, and subcontract pricing.
- Identify opportunities to improve estimating processes, tools, templates, and cost models.
- Support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen estimating accuracy and operational efficiency.
Qualifications
- Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5–10 years of estimating experience within industrial fabrication, module fabrication, or heavy industrial construction.
- Demonstrated experience preparing fabrication estimates for projects within Alberta's oil and gas industry.
- Strong understanding of fabrication shop operations, welding, pipe fabrication, structural steel fabrication, and modular construction.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, fabrication packages, specifications, and material takeoffs.
- Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Valid driver's license.
Preferred Skills
- Experience estimating module fabrication, pipe spools, structural steel, skids, and packaged equipment.
- Familiarity with CWB, CSA, ASME, and client quality requirements applicable to industrial fabrication.
- Experience with estimating software and digital takeoff platforms.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience using ERP systems, Power BI, or fabrication management software is considered an asset.
- Strong understanding of labour productivity analysis, procurement strategies, and project cost controls.
Working Conditions
- This is a full-time position based in our Nisku, Alberta fabrication shop office. Remote or hybrid work arrangements may be considered for the right candidate.
- Regular interaction with shop personnel to validate fabrication methodologies and production assumptions.
- Occasional visits to fabrication floor operations and client sites as required.
- Fast-paced environment supporting multiple concurrent bids and project opportunities.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay: $75/hr - $90/hr
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- Collaborative team environment supporting major industrial fabrication projects.
- Stable, long-term employment within a growing fabrication operation.
Pay: $75.00-$90.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
