Pipeline Estimator

Job Title: Pipeline Estimator
Reports to: Director Pipelines
Work Schedule: Full-Time (Monday–Friday, extended hours as required)
Location: Houston, TX (North Houston/ Spring/ The Woodlands)
Pipeline Estimator
NES Fircroft is a leading global technical recruitment company providing professional permanent and contract staffing services across the Energy, Infrastructure, and Industrial sectors. We partner with high-growth organizations to deliver critical talent that enables project execution and operational success. Our client, a fast-growing EPC Company, is seeking a Pipeline Estimator for a permanent hire role to be based in the Houston, TX area.
Job Summary
This role is integral to the front-end project lifecycle, responsible for developing accurate, competitive cost estimates across pipeline construction, facilities, and integrity scopes. The position interfaces closely with project management, engineering, and field operations to ensure estimates reflect real-world execution capabilities, market conditions, and commercial strategy.
Key Responsibilities

• Full-Cycle Estimating: Develop detailed cost estimates for pipeline construction, gathering systems, facility tie-ins, compressor/pump stations, and integrity-related projects
• Pre-Bid & Scope Evaluation: Review RFQs, drawings, P&IDs, and technical specifications; participate in pre-bid meetings and perform site visits to assess constructability and cost drivers
• Cost Development: Build comprehensive cost models including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and indirect costs using internal tools and historical data
• Operations Alignment: Collaborate with project managers and field leadership to validate assumptions, production rates, and resource planning aligned with execution realities
• Bid Strategy: Support development of competitive bid strategies that balance win probability with margin protection
• Estimate Review: Present estimates to internal stakeholders, providing detailed cost breakdowns and supporting rationale
• Data & Benchmarking: Maintain and enhance cost databases, productivity metrics, and pricing benchmarks to improve estimate accuracy
• Project Handover: Ensure seamless transition to execution teams by clearly communicating estimate assumptions, scope, and resource plans
• Market Intelligence: Monitor regional labor trends, material pricing, and competitive landscape within West Texas energy infrastructure markets

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5+ years of estimating experience within pipeline construction, oil & gas facilities, or related infrastructure
• Strong technical understanding of pipeline construction methods, welding, compressor/pump stations, and facility tie-ins
• Demonstrated experience developing estimates from RFQs, isometrics, P&IDs, and technical specifications
• Proficiency with estimating and planning tools such as Hard Dollar, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, OnScreen Takeoff, and Excel
• Experience with both unit rate and lump-sum estimating methodologies
• Prior field experience in pipeline or facility construction is advantageous
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline preferred

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical capability with high attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple bids concurrently in deadline-driven environments
• Effective communicator across technical and operational stakeholders
• High level of accountability, professionalism, and team collaboration
• Alignment with a safety-first, execution-focused culture

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with regular travel to project sites across West Texas
• Field exposure includes walking job sites, navigating pipeline right-of-way, and working in variable outdoor conditions
• Standard business hours with flexibility based on bid cycles and project demands

Why Join

• Direct impact on high-value infrastructure projects within one of the most active energy regions in the U.S.
• Strong integration with field operations - estimates tied closely to execution reality
• Opportunity to influence bid strategy and commercial outcomes
• Stable project pipeline across pipeline, facilities, and integrity scopes
• Collaborative, operations-driven environment with clear visibility to leadership

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.