Cost Estimator
The Nuclear Company is the fastest-growing AI-enabled startup in nuclear energy, bringing together experienced nuclear professionals, technologists, engineers, and builders to deliver the next generation of nuclear power. Through our design-once, build-many approach, we are creating a repeatable model for deploying nuclear fleets—combining the industry’s highest standards for safety, quality, and regulatory rigor with the speed and innovation required to meet the world’s growing energy needs.
We are building the future of nuclear work. Every employee is expected to use AI, technology, and our Nuclear Operating System (NOS) to strengthen engineering and operational decision-making, improve quality, eliminate inefficiencies, and accelerate execution without compromising safety. Our nuclear expertise shapes the continued evolution of NOS, enabling us to capture institutional knowledge, standardize best practices, and deliver complex projects with greater consistency and certainty.
We hire people who believe nuclear energy is essential to human progress. Our team is made up of mission-driven experts who respect the rigor of the industry while challenging outdated ways of working. They bring deep technical judgment, intellectual curiosity, high agency, and the humility to learn from others. Our values—Transparency, Responsibility, Unity, Scrappy, and Tenacity—guide how we hire, collaborate, and make decisions. Together, they form TRUST, the foundation of our safety culture and our commitment to intellectual honesty, personal accountability, open communication, and operational excellence.
About the role
The Estimator is a key participant in project development and the successful capture of business for TNC. The successful candidate will be familiar with the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) and their recommended practices related to the development of cost estimates. The estimator will interface with several stakeholders, both inside and outside of TNC, to develop reliable cost estimates with the appropriate pedigree aligned with international standards.
Responsibilities
- Estimate Development: Given a scope of work, the estimator will work with key stakeholders to develop an estimate aligned with the requisite AACE classifications appropriate for the phase of the project
- Create a Basis of Estimate: In support of the estimate, the BOE shall provide enough information a reasonable individual can reach the same outcome
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Alignment: Collaborate with engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning & testing, regulatory, and project controls teams to collect inputs to support estimate development
- Risk and Assumption Identification: Based on inputs, the estimator will identify key risks and assumptions associated with each element of the estimate. The estimator will work with risk personnel to ensure quantitative analysis is performed based on this information and included in the basis of estimate
- Estimating Software & Database Management: Utilize industry-standard estimating platforms (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid, InEight Estimate, Sage Estimating, or CostOS) to develop, organize, and maintain detailed cost estimates with traceable line items, historical benchmarking, and parametric modeling capabilities
- AI-Enhanced Cost Modeling: Leverage AI and machine learning tools to analyze historical project data, identify cost drivers, improve estimate accuracy, and perform automated benchmarking against comparable projects across the fleet
- Proficiency with estimating software and cost databases (e.g., InEight, CostOS, RSMeans, or equivalent) for developing and maintaining structured, auditable cost estimates
- Familiarity with AI/machine learning applications for parametric estimating, historical data analysis, or probabilistic cost modeling (e.g., Monte Carlo simulation tools, @Risk, Crystal Ball)
Experience
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
- 15+ years of experience in project controls
- 5+ years of experience as an estimator on large project
- Strong understanding of project lifecycle and work breakdown structures
- Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
- Proficiency with estimating software and cost databases for developing and maintaining structured, auditable cost estimates
- Familiarity with AI/machine learning applications for parametric estimating, historical data analysis, or probabilistic cost modeling (e.g., Monte Carlo simulation tools, @Risk, Crystal Ball)
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Exceptional analytical skills
Preferred Experience:
- Experience in the nuclear energy, power generation, or highly regulated industry
- Familiarity with earned value management, risk analysis, and cost-schedule integration
- PMP or PMI-SP certification a plus
- Experience working in a startup or high-growth environment
Benefits
- Competitive compensation packages
- 401k with company match
- Medical, dental, vision plans
- Generous vacation policy, plus holidays
Estimated Starting Salary Range
The estimated starting salary range for this role is $150,000 - $173,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly basis. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role.
EEO Statement
The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.
Certain positions at The Nuclear Company may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in The Nuclear Company limiting its consideration of certain applicants.
Your safety is our priority. We want to ensure your job search stays secure. Please note that the team at The Nuclear Company only communicates through official @thenuclearcompany.com email addresses. We will never ask for payments or sensitive financial information at any stage of our recruitment process. For your peace of mind, please verify all openings and submit your applications directly through our official careers page.
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