Senior Cost Estimator
About this role
Position Summary
newcleo is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to support the development of its advanced MOX fuel manufacturing facility in the United States.
This role will play a key part in establishing and maintaining a U.S.-based cost estimate aligned with local market conditions, including labor rates, productivity assumptions, supply chain considerations, construction methodologies, and regulatory requirements.
Building on the project’s existing design maturity, the Senior Cost Estimator will lead the development and continuous improvement of the project cost baseline, supporting investment decisions, project governance, and the transition toward execution.
The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in cost estimating for large-scale industrial, nuclear, or highly regulated projects, with expertise in AACE methodologies and U.S. project delivery environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, validate, and maintain the project cost estimate for the U.S. MOX fuel manufacturing facility.
- Adapt existing international cost estimates to reflect U.S. market conditions and execution strategies.
- Develop CAPEX estimates including engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, indirect costs, and contingency.
- Apply AACE International recommended practices and ensure estimate accuracy, consistency, and traceability.
- Establish cost breakdown structures aligned with project scope, engineering maturity, and execution plans.
- Define and maintain estimating assumptions, methodologies, and cost databases.
- Analyze cost risks, uncertainties, escalation factors, and contingency requirements.
- Support cost reviews, investment decisions, and project stage-gate approvals.
- Benchmark costs against comparable U.S. nuclear, energy, and industrial projects.
- Continuously refine estimates as the project progresses from design development toward execution.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
The Senior Cost Estimator will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across the project, including:
- Engineering and Design
- Manufacturing and Industrialization
- Construction and Site Execution
- Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
- Quality Assurance and Nuclear Safety
- Procurement and Supply Chain
- Project Management and Project Controls
The role requires close collaboration to ensure cost assumptions accurately reflect technical requirements, construction strategies, supplier availability, licensing constraints, and project execution plans.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Cost Engineering, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience in cost estimating for large-scale industrial, nuclear, energy, infrastructure, or similarly complex projects.
- Strong knowledge of AACE International cost estimating principles and estimate classification methodologies.
- Demonstrated experience developing cost estimates for U.S.-based projects or adapting international estimates to the U.S. market.
- Strong understanding of CAPEX estimating, EPC/EPCM delivery models, and project cost drivers.
- Experience with cost estimating tools, databases, and structured estimating processes.
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and international project environments.
- Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in nuclear fuel cycle facilities, fuel fabrication, MOX, radiological facilities, or other high-hazard industrial projects.
- Knowledge of U.S. nuclear regulations and licensing environments (NRC).
- Experience supporting projects through FEED, basic design, and execution phases.
- AACE certification (CCE/CCP) or equivalent professional certification.
- Experience with major capital projects in the nuclear or energy sectors.
What We Offer
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, as well as a 401(k) plan with 4% company match.
• Generous paid time off, starting at 20 days per year and increasing to 25 days after 3 years of service.
• A mission-driven environment focused on delivering scalable, low-carbon energy solutions to meet growing global energy demand.
• A collaborative and international culture that values technical excellence, transparency, innovation, and cross-functional teamwork.
Company at a glance
Since launching in 2021 newcleo has quickly established itself as innovator in the field of nuclear energy. newcleo is working to design, build, and operate Gen-IV Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) that are cooled by liquid lead and fuelled by reprocessed nuclear waste.
Through an innovative combination of existing and proven technologies, and by reviving a nuclear industry model based on the manufacture and multi-recycling of Mixed Oxide fuel, newcleo aims to close the nuclear fuel cycle while safely producing clean, affordable, and practically inexhaustible energy required for low carbon economies.
With a EUR 70m group turnover in 2024, EUR 645m of private funding and over 100 partnerships and collaborations across the nuclear industry, the growth of the newcleo group is supported through the targeted acquisition of key companies with strong capabilities in nuclear engineering, manufacturing, and waste management.
Through its workforce of over 900 highly qualified employees across France, the U.S., the UK, Italy, Switzerland and Slovakia, newcleo is not only developing and delivering the skills and services required for the group’s own ambitious project timelines, but also supporting the development of Small Modular Reactor supply chains in Europe and beyond.
Top Benefits
- Medical coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- 401(k) plan
- 4% company match
- Paid time off
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