Cost Estimator

Cost Estimator

Columbia, SC or Washington, DC

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing AI tech-enabled startup in the nuclear and energy space, pioneering a fleet-scale approach to building the next generation of nuclear reactors. Through our design-once, build-many model, we're accelerating the deployment of safe, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy.

We operate with an AI-first mindset. Every employee is expected to leverage AI, technology, and the Nuclear Operating System (NOS) as integral components of their role to improve the quality, speed, and impact of their work. We expect every team member to continuously identify opportunities to automate workflows, enhance decision-making, improve processes, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of NOS as a strategic operating capability that enables The Nuclear Company to scale with excellence.

We hire people who are driven by purpose, thrive in ambiguity, and are energized by building what has never been built before. Our team combines intellectual curiosity with high agency, embraces candid feedback and continuous learning, and holds themselves and others to exceptional standards. Our valuesTransparency, Responsibility, Unity, Scrappiness, and Tenacityguide how we hire, collaborate, and make decisions every day. They are not words on a wall; they are the standard by which we operate. TRUST is the foundation of our safety culture, fostering intellectual honesty, accountability, and open communication, while our values challenge every team member to execute with urgency, humility, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to our mission.

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

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.

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.