Estimation engineers estimate the costs associated with upcoming projects and the impact a project will have on the organization to determine if the project will be financially successful. This is a skilled position requiring full-time hours in a combination of office and project site environments. Analytical and extremely detail-oriented people make good estimation engineers. Estimation engineers report primarily to executive-level management and other stakeholders involved in the project.
Estimation engineers analyze different aspects of a project based on the size and type of the project. Based on the job listings we researched, we found these core tasks are typically assigned to estimation engineers:
Analyze Research Data
Before a project starts, estimation engineers analyze all preliminary research data to determine the projects influence on the company and its investments. Estimation engineers typically compile this information and present it to stakeholders in an easy-to-understand format.
Review Project Deliverables
As project deliverables are developed, estimation engineers review them to start gaining an understanding of the overall scope of the project. This involves reviewing design packages, project drawings, and other deliverables to prepare for the estimation process.
Develop Cost Estimates
Estimation engineers use the preliminary research data and review of project deliverables to prepare `the cost estimates for the entire project. As they start to gain a clearer sense of the overall project, they put together cost estimations and deliver them to stakeholders and project managers.
Manage Current and Previous Estimations
After estimations have been created, estimation engineers edit and update the estimations as the project changes. Estimation engineers track and maintain all estimations for further analysis. They evaluate changes and review estimations to ensure accurate project development.
Provide Technical Support
Estimation engineers provide technical support to junior engineers and other project employees to help them make more accurate estimations. They teach them how to estimate processes and deliver those estimates in a timely manner.