Sr. Cost Estimator

Company Summary

Bright Minds. Bold Mission. Clean Future.

At Recurrent Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., we’re more than a global leader in utility-scale solar and battery storage—we’re not just building utility-scale solar and battery storage projects—we’re shaping the future of energy. Our impact spans six continents and over 25 global offices, from initial design to decades of efficient, reliable performance in the field.

Our true strength? The people who bring our projects to life and keep them running.

We’re a team of hands-on problem solvers who move with urgency, take pride in quality, and never shy away from a challenge. This isn’t the kind of place where work coasts on autopilot. We expect focus, accountability, and follow-through—from everyone.

We value:

- Ownership, Accountability and Initiative

– Those who see a challenge and take action, from early-stage design through ongoing operations and maintenance.

- Critical Thinking and Decisiveness

– Problem solvers who trust their judgement at every stage, from construction to long-term asset management.

- Purpose-Driven Excellence

– People driven by purpose, not just process, who understand the lasting impact of their work.

What you can expect:

Here, you’ll grow by doing. We invest in our people with real stretch opportunities, ongoing development, and the chance to build expertise in one of the world’s most critical industries. And while the pace is fast and the expectations are high, so is the opportunity.

Our values aren’t just posters on the wall.

guide how we work, grow, and deliver—together.

So, if you’re looking for comfort, cruise control, or a place to hide—we’re not for you.

But if you’re hungry to make a difference, ready to get your hands dirty, and want to be part of something meaningful—then we’d love to meet you.

Position Title:

Sr. Cost Estimator

Department:

Estimating

Reports To:

Manager, Estimating

Location:

Austin, TX - HYBRID

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Cost Estimator to join our team and contribute to the continued growth of our company. This position is responsible for developing comprehensive construction cost estimates for utility-scale photovoltaic solar and battery energy storage projects. The successful candidate will collaborate cross-functionally to ensure cost accuracy, support contractor evaluation and selection, and contribute to strategic planning throughout the project lifecycle.

Primary Responsibilities

- Generate cost estimates for PV-Solar, and Energy Storage projects based on design inputs and available documentation.

- Build and maintain estimating cost models to support accurate budgeting, forecasting, and analysis for renewable energy construction projects.

- Implement functional and qualitative updates in estimate modeling tools as needed and/or requested.

- Review project site maps, design layouts, technical reports, and other diligence documentation to identify conditions that may impact constructability and cost.

- Review contractor proposals for assigned projects, including cost adjustments for missing or misaligned scope, and provide financial updates as needed.

- Track project development, deliverable deadlines, construction issues, and costs; provide weekly status updates to the Manager.

- Maintain trackers for completed deliverables and support the development of cost tracking tools for data analysis.

- Complete annual labor rate data analysis updates using external sources.

- Participate in pre-construction risk reviews and analysis alongside engineering and development teams.

- Perform additional duties as assigned..

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

- Bachelor’s degree required: with major, or minor in Estimating, Civil, Construction, or similar Engineering/Sciences.

- Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience with at least two (2) years of estimating experience, preferably in utility-scale renewable energy industry.

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

- Travel required 0 – 15%.

- Solid working knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Office Suite programs.

- Ability to analyze historic pricing data and deriving useful insights into cost trends and drivers.

- Bright, enthusiastic individual desiring to expand their knowledge and skills in the renewables industry.

- Skilled in applying analogous and parametric estimating methodologies to the work, as well as bottom-up estimating.

- Meticulous attention to detail and quality of work product.

- Ability to prioritize tasks and juggle competing deadlines effectively, remaining calm under pressure.

- Work effectively with a diversity of individuals and professional backgrounds.

- Excited to learn about, work in and support a dynamic renewable energy company.

- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective communication channels with other teams is a must.

- Experience in pre-construction risk review and analysis is desired.

- Experience with Smartsheet & SharePoint is a plus.

- Ability to leverage VBA, Excel Macros, and similar automation tools to develop customized solutions for streamlining cost estimation tasks is a plus.

- Construction experience a plus.

Recurrent Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.