Estimator, Project Controls

About the role

• Estimator, Project Controls | Tesla (Construction & Facilities)
• Location: Brookshire, Texas | Req ID: 283252 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

As a Construction Estimator at Tesla, you 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 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. This role is for someone who thrives in the field, being at the execution level, and enables Tesla to scale at Ludacris speed through accurate, agile, and actionable cost intelligence. This position is full time, onsite in Austin, TX.

What You'll Do

• Act as the primary project-based estimator embedded in execution teams, providing real-time cost support from construction kickoff through project closeout
• Develop detailed change order estimates rapidly and accurately, clearly articulating cost impacts, schedule implications, and risk exposure
• Perform continuous cost forecasting, including monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC), variance analysis (budget vs. actuals vs. forecast), and clear communication of drivers to project leadership
• Monitor and analyze construction productivity on site; identify deviations early, quantify impacts, and collaborate with field teams on corrective actions
• Conduct risk identification, qualitative and quantitative risk analysis, and maintain risk registers with associated cost contingencies throughout execution
• Lead value engineering (VE) and design option estimating during construction, delivering fast-turnaround cost comparisons to support critical decision-making
• Create what-if scenario estimates to evaluate execution strategy changes, acceleration options, and recovery plans

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience with a strong emphasis on project execution-phase work for all trades
• Experience with conceptual and detailed estimation including takeoffs for scope quantification
• Proven expertise in change order estimating, EAC forecasting, variance analysis, and productivity monitoring and analysis
• Deep experience in value engineering and design option costing with the ability to deliver high-quality results on very short timelines
• Strong understanding of how things are built at the fundamental level across Civil, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Life Safety systems
• Excellent risk identification and analysis skills with the ability to quantify and clearly communicate cost and schedule risks

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)