MAU is hiring a Project Cost Estimator for our client in Columbia, SC. As a Project Cost Estimator, you will assess technical risk and build bottom-up cost estimates for complex process systems, connecting business development, engineering, and project execution. This is a direct-hire opportunity.
Our client is a leading provider of custom process systems and integrated solutions for the global nuclear, energy, environmental, and industrial markets. With over 25 years of industry experience, the company is committed to innovation, technical excellence, and fostering an inclusive workplace where talented professionals can contribute to meaningful projects and advance their careers.
Benefits Package
• Competitive salary based on experience and skill level
• 401(k) retirement plan with generous employer matching
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Three (3) weeks of paid time off
• Seven (7) paid holidays plus three (3) floating holidays
• Career advancement opportunities
• Lump-sum relocation sign-on bonus for qualified candidates
Shift Information
• Full-time, salaried, exempt position
• Flexible work hours, including four-day workweek or other schedule options
• On-site position in Columbia, SC; remote and hybrid work are not available
Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering or a related field; relevant experience will be considered in place of a degree
• 5+ years of professional experience in project estimating, technical project management, or application engineering in a custom equipment manufacturing or industrial/operations plant setting
General Requirements
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, fabrication drawings, material take-offs, and client technical specifications, and to estimate costs directly from them
• Ability to pass a drug test, pre-employment physical, and background investigation
Essential Functions
• Drive pricing strategy for complex water treatment and process systems
• Lead technical and financial risk evaluations that guide executive bid/no-bid decisions
• Assess technical feasibility, shop capacity, schedule constraints, and cost drivers against company capabilities and profitability targets
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and convert technical uncertainties into quantified cost contingencies
• Build detailed bottom-up cost estimates for custom equipment, process piping, skid assemblies, and turnkey systems, covering direct labor, materials, equipment, tooling, and subcontractor costs
• Compile complete cost models from material, labor, and vendor quote data
• Recommend contingency, overhead, and margin based on detailed risk profiles and technical complexity
• Review and analyze client RFPs, technical specifications, P&IDs, 3D models, and scope documents to pull out precise technical requirements
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and finance to gather technical requirements, quantify risk, and define scope boundaries
• Request, evaluate, and negotiate vendor and subcontractor quotes so they align with project quality standards and client specifications