Estimator, Construction

About the role

• Estimator, Construction | Tesla (Construction & Facilities)
• Location: Sparks, Nevada | Req ID: 277657 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

Tesla is seeking an experienced Senior Construction Cost Estimator with commercial/industrial construction background to support Tesla’s Gigafactory Nevada, Sparks. This position will be directly responsible for planning and executing project estimates as part of Construction team throughout the various design stages.

This role will be a critical embedded member of our active project delivery teams, focused on execution-phase estimating for Tesla’s manufacturing facilities.

You will combine deep fundamental knowledge of cost drivers with real-time project oversight — developing initial Class 5 estimates for directional alignment, Class 1 estimates for funding approval, change order estimates, forecasting Estimate at Completion (EAC), performing variance analysis, monitoring productivity, and driving value engineering decisions while construction is underway.

You will be responsible for communicating execution realities with the pre-development estimating team by feeding actuals, lessons learned, and benchmarking data

What You'll Do

• 5 through 1) for multi-discipline construction projects including Civil, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection
• Review bid documents (drawings, specifications, schedules) and project scopes to identify all scope elements and potential risks
• Perform material take-offs from 2D drawings or REVIT models to validate design and contractor proposed quantities
• Research material costs, labor rates, equipment needs, and subcontractor pricing across multiple trades; maintain and update historical estimating databases and cost templates for future projects
• Prepare project estimate summaries and presentations and bid packages, including bid summaries, contingency analysis, and risk assessments
• Lead value engineering (VE) and design option estimating during construction, delivering fast-turnaround cost comparisons to support critical decision-making
• Provide input on project feasibility, pricing strategies, and subcontractor selection; Create what-if scenario estimates to evaluate execution strategy changes, acceleration options, and recovery plans

What You'll Bring

• BS in Engineering, Construction, or Construction Management, or equivalent experience demonstrating exceptional ability
• 5+ years in construction cost estimating, preferably in industrial, manufacturing, high-tech industries, or large commercial projects
• Strong understanding of costing methodologies and how things are built at the fundamental level across Civil, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Process, and Life Safety systems
• Analytical capability to assess cost and schedule variances against the plan and expertise in change order estimating, EAC forecasting, variance analysis, and productivity monitoring and analysis
• Proficiency in software systems including Oracle Unifier, P6, Power BI, Bluebeam, CAD, REVIT, and other construction packages
• Experience in value engineering and design option costing with the ability to deliver high-quality results on very short timelines
• Ability to work in a high-performance, cross-functional environment with tight timelines, and demonstrate strong verbal and written communication, along with effective customer service / stakeholder management skills

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
• Tesla Babies program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)