Project Estimator

Job description

Project Estimator (Cost Engineer) – Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam

The Project Estimator (or Cost Engineer) is part of a team of 5–8 estimators, led by a Team Leader, within the Sales Department.

We have a highly driven team passionate about ships, numbers, and technology. Our team is happy to welcome new colleagues, share knowledge, and give you a tour of our yard.

This technical-commercial role focuses on determining the cost price of maritime projects as accurately as possible, based on the information provided by the customer. The cost price forms the basis for determining the correct sales price and project lead time. It also serves as the starting point for project preparation and execution. The Estimating Department ensures that project decisions are based on the best possible data and calculations to maximize chances of winning projects while minimizing the risk of loss-making projects.

In the ship repair market, predictability can be limited. For example, the scope of work may change significantly between the initial assessment and project completion. Properly recording and describing the work offered—often in English—is essential to creating risk-averse quotations.

Key Accountabilities

• Independently prepare quotations for repair, maintenance, conversions, and new construction works, based on technical specifications and drawings supplied by customers.
• Analyze customer data, consult with the customer to clarify the scope of work, and prepare an optimal total budget in collaboration with purchasing, subcontractors, and suppliers, considering vessel arrival, planning, and delivery times.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and site visits, including travel within the Netherlands and abroad.
• Prepare accurate and complete cost calculations, including precise technical specifications.
• Collect tender documents, prepare counter-specifications if needed, and provide preliminary or basic engineering data to support quotations.
• Plan own work, monitor deliverables, and provide project planning based on the work offered in the quotation.
• Stay updated on new developments in estimating, cost structures, and ship repair techniques.
• Consult internal files, request timely quotes from suppliers and subcontractors, and visit ships as necessary to assess specifications and technical data.
• Contribute expertise in discussions with customers regarding scope, technical possibilities, and customer requirements. Prepare final budgets for submission.

Skills & Experience

• Higher or secondary technical education with a commercial and technical affinity (e.g., Engineering, Shipbuilding, Technical Business Administration).
• Knowledge of estimating and cost structures, or willingness to learn.
• Flexible, accurate, and a team player.
• Proficient in English, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of MS Excel, MS Project, and other relevant software.
• Experienced in working in teams, with a service-oriented and flexible attitude.
• Knowledge of the ship repair market and techniques or willingness to learn. Previous experience in the industry or a relevant position is an advantage.
• Broad technical knowledge is essential; candidates with a mechanical or naval engineering background are a good fit. Experience in estimating maritime projects or coming from a technical environment with relevant skills is preferred.

What We Offer

At Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam, you work in a hands-on shipyard environment, close to the work we are proud of. We invest in our employees’ professional and personal development and offer:

• Dynamic and international work environment with an informal atmosphere
• Competitive salary (CLA Metalektro)
• 27 vacation days and 13 additional leave days (full-time)
• Travel allowance (up to 40 km one way)
• Profit sharing and pension contribution
• Continuous focus on professional and personal development