Irving Shipbuilding logo

Senior Estimator

Irving Shipbuilding
Department:Construction
Type:ON-SITE
Region:Halifax, Nova Scotia
Location:Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Experience:Mid-Senior level
Estimated Salary:CAD80,000 - CAD120,000
Skills:
ESTIMATINGPROJECT MANAGEMENTCOST CONTROLSCHEDULINGTECHNICAL DRAWINGSCONTRACT NEGOTIATION
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Job Description

Posted on: May 21, 2026

Job Description In this key role, you will drive the acquisition of new ship repair and shipbuilding contracts for Irving Shipbuilding Inc. and its associated repair facilities. You’ll interpret and analyze complex technical specifications from clients, translating them into accurate, comprehensive cost estimates that support successful project execution across our shipyard locations. Beyond developing your own estimates, you will also play a leadership role by guiding and supporting Cost Estimators as they prepare detailed cost proposals for work carried out at various Irving Shipbuilding yards. Your expertise will help ensure consistency, accuracy, and competitive positioning in all estimates produced. Responsibilities

  • Use Client provided specifications and drawings to oversee and create detailed work scopes and work packages. Estimate the required person-hours for Irving Shipbuilding to carry out the work.
  • Oversee the creation of Bid Analysis documentation with the assistance of the Estimating Coordinator. Ensure individual estimates are complete and accurate.
  • Utilize work scopes and work packages to create detailed execution Method Statements for the Client provided specifications. Ensure Method Statements from more junior Estimators are complete and concise.
  • Assist with the creation of Bid/Tender packages that will be submitted to various Clients. Assist the Estimating Manager and Estimating Coordinator with the creation of Bid Summaries and Risk Assessments.
  • Attend Vessel viewings and Bidder Conferences of various commercial and Naval vessels as required. Out-of-province travel may be necessary.
  • Produce preliminary (Level 1) project schedules utilizing scheduling software. Produce Offer Letters for Bid/Tender packages to be signed by the Director of Ship Repair or other Senior Executives.
  • Stand-in for the role of Estimating Manager when the Estimating Manager is not available. This includes reviewing and signing Bid/Tender packages, participating in Bid/No Bid discussions, and moving a Bid/Tender package through the company’s Approval Procedure until it is ultimately submitted.

Qualifications

  • Post-secondary education in Engineering or Engineering Technology and/or Interprovincial Journeyman status in a relevant commercial or Industrial Skilled Trade.
  • Red Seal Journeyman or Certified Engineering Technician (C.Tech) or Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng) considered an asset.
  • 5-10+ years of experience in various roles involving the execution of major construction or manufacturing projects – including Project Management, Subcontractor Management, Cost Controls, Planning/Scheduling or Estimating.
  • Proven experience using Engineering, Estimating, or Drafting software programs; and full competency reading and understanding technical drawings and documentation.
  • Proven experience Managing project budgets and schedules for both skilled trades people and specialized subcontractors. This includes project costs as well as projected and actual project margins and cash-flow.
  • Familiarity with both Commercial and Naval ships and other vessels.
  • Experience participating in Contract Negotiations and experience working with government and commercial contract terms and conditions.
  • Strong communication abilities with internal and external stakeholders.

Due to the nature of work Irving Shipbuilding does, all successful applicants must meet requirements for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note this position requires a full-time, in-office presence. About Us Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities. Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply. We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. About The Team Irving Shipbuilding is proud to be Canada's National Shipbuilder. Our team is constructing more than 20 modern patrol ships and destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard as part of the largest defence procurement project in Canadian history. By joining our team of more than 2,400 shipbuilders, you can enjoy a dynamic and exciting career with a company dedicated to your success, development, and safety. At Irving Shipbuilding, we're making history - why not make it with us? Learn more about careers at Irving Shipbuilding: shipsforcanada.ca/opportunities. We invite applications from all qualified candidates, including racially visible persons, women in underrepresented roles, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage applicants to self-identify.

Originally posted on LinkedIn

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