Principal Estimator - Major Capital Projects

At Motiva, our employees' energy, passion, and dedication to excellence are what make us who we are and what allows us to generate energy that makes a house a home, gets us from point A to point B, and enables our health and wellbeing. We invest in every aspect of our employees' lives because, at Motiva, our people matter.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Motiva refines, distributes and markets petroleum products throughout the Americas. The company's Port Arthur Manufacturing Complex in Port Arthur, TX, is comprised of North America's largest refinery with a total throughput of 720,000 barrels per day, the world's second largest base oil plant, and an integrated chemical plant. Under exclusive long-term brand licenses with Shell and Phillips 66 (for the 76 brand), Motiva's commercial operations supply more than 12 billion gallons of fuel to customers annually. Motiva is wholly owned by Aramco, one of the world's largest integrated energy and chemicals companies.

Position Overview:

Motiva is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Principal Estimator - Major Capital Projects to lead cost estimation efforts for large, complex enterprise-level capital projects. This position plays a pivotal role in the planning, budgeting, and execution of capital initiatives, providing critical insights that shape project feasibility and financial performance. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking leader with deep expertise in project controls, cost estimation, and risk management, and a track record of driving innovation and efficiency in capital project environments.

Responsibilities:

• Ability to provide estimating assurance on estimates submitted by engineering and construction contractors in accordance with the Motiva project guidelines
• Ability to review project documents to validate that the contractor's estimate accurately reflects project scope of work
• Ability to perform material take-offs from project scope drawings/documents providing estimated material and labor cost for all disciplines
• Lead and manage large, complex estimation efforts across major capital projects, including integration across multiple workstreams and stakeholders.
• Prepare and maintain accurate cost estimates, schedules, and forecasts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Experienced with Conceptual Estimates
• Demonstrate aptitude to ask the right questions when building a conceptual estimate
• Understand estimated ratios and metrics and compare against established benchmarks.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on estimation approaches and financial implications of project decisions.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting tools to measure project and departmental performance.
• Champion change management initiatives, ensuring smooth implementation of scope changes with full cost and schedule impact assessments.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with planning, scheduling, risk, and procurement teams to ensure alignment and integration of project control activities.
• Maintain compliance with internal and external governance standards and reporting requirements.
• Coach and mentor junior staff to build organizational capability in project estimation and control disciplines.

Experience and Qualifications:

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project controls and cost estimation, with at least 5 years supporting major capital projects in the energy, petrochemical, or industrial sectors.
• Experience estimating on Mega Projects ($1B+), including engineering, procurement and construction.
• Proven expertise in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and schedule management in complex, multi-discipline environments.
• Mastery of cost estimation software (e.g., Aspen Capital Cost Estimator, Cleopatra, or equivalent).
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and project scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera P6).
• Deep understanding of risk identification, resource management, and change control processes.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Professional certification (e.g., AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), PMP, or equivalent).
• Experience with enterprise-level project systems (e.g., SAP, EcoSys).
• Prior experience in an owner/operator environment preferred.
• Previous experience with Aramco estimating guidelines and procedures for Mega Projects.
• Familiarity with stage-gate project development models.
• Demonstrated success in leading process improvement and standardization initiatives.
• Experience mentoring or leading cross-functional estimation teams.

We reserve the right to amend or withdraw Motiva jobs at any time, including prior to the closing date. Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level and/or grade.

Applicants for regular U.S. positions must be authorized to work in the United States for Motiva Enterprises LLC without the need for sponsorship of an immigration authorization or visa (for example, TN, H-1B, or other employment-based immigration authorization or visa).

Motiva participates in E-Verify.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status under federal, state, or local laws.