Marine Estimator

Position Type: Full-Time
Industry: Shipbuilding / Maritime
Region: Northeast USA

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Marine Estimator to support shipyard bidding, cost analysis, and new business development. This position is responsible for reviewing customer requirements and developing complete, detailed estimates for vessel construction, repair, and related marine projects.

The ideal candidate has extensive commercial marine and shipyard experience, strong technical judgment, and the ability to accurately evaluate labor, material, subcontractor, schedule, and project requirements. This role requires close coordination with operations, engineering, production, customers, and management throughout the bid process.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Bid Development

• Prepare detailed estimates for shipyard projects, including vessel construction, repair, modification, and related marine work.

• Analyze project scope, labor requirements, material costs, subcontractor pricing, equipment needs, and schedule impacts.

• Review customer specifications, technical data, drawings, and other bid documents.

• Identify special project requirements, risks, assumptions, and exclusions that may affect pricing or execution.

• Prepare proposals, bid summaries, estimate packages, and customer submittals.

• Develop clear and accurate cost and schedule assumptions for assigned opportunities.

• Maintain organized estimating records and supporting documentation.

Technical Review

• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

• Evaluate project requirements across a broad range of commercial marine vessels.

• Apply working knowledge of shipyard production methods and marine construction practices when developing estimates.

• Identify technical issues or scope gaps that require clarification before bid submission.

• Coordinate with engineering and production personnel to validate assumptions and execution requirements.

Commercial & Business Development Support

• Identify and pursue new shipyard opportunities suitable for bid.

• Support customer outreach and business development activities related to potential projects.

• Travel to customer facilities, vessels, and project locations as required to evaluate work scope.

• Participate in bid/no-bid discussions and provide estimating input to management.

• Identify and communicate bonding, financial, security, or other commercial requirements associated with potential projects.

• Support proposal follow-up and customer discussions as needed.

Project Coordination

• Work closely with operations, engineering, production, purchasing, and management to develop accurate and competitive estimates.

• Coordinate internal input for labor, material, subcontractor, and schedule assumptions.

• Manage multiple estimates and bid opportunities simultaneously.

• Prioritize work effectively to meet customer and internal deadlines.

• Support transition of awarded work from estimating into project execution.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Associate degree in Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field preferred but not required.

• Minimum of 10 years of marine, shipyard, engineering, estimating, or closely related industry experience.

• Strong understanding of commercial marine vessels and shipyard operations.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, specifications, and technical bid documents.

• Working knowledge of marine classification society requirements, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and other applicable marine standards.

• Strong analytical and cost-estimating abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines independently.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• AutoCAD knowledge and experience required.

• Ability to communicate technical and commercial considerations clearly to management and project stakeholders.

Preferred Experience

• Commercial shipbuilding or ship repair estimating

• Vessel new construction

• Vessel repair and modification projects

• Labor and material cost development

• Subcontractor and vendor pricing

• Shipyard production planning

• Customer proposal development

• Classification society and regulatory compliance

• Business development within the commercial marine industry

• Experience estimating multiple concurrent vessel projects

Travel & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular interaction with engineering, production, operations, purchasing, and business development teams.

• Periodic travel to customer facilities, vessels, shipyards, or project locations may be required to review work scope and support bid development.

• Candidates should be comfortable working periodically in active shipyard and vessel environments.

Disclaimer

This job description describes the primary responsibilities and requirements of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may change based on project and operational requirements.