The Engineering & Estimation Lead leads and supports front-end loading (FEL), front-end engineering design (FEED), and cost estimation for capital projects in the refining, petrochemical, energy, and power generation sectors. The position works with clients, external engineering firms, vendors, and internal project teams to define project scope, establish technical requirements, develop credible cost estimates, and support investment and project-sanctioning decisions. The role coordinates multidisciplinary design work to promote technical accuracy, constructability, alignment with client expectations, and effective transition to project management.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesEngineering & Project Definition
- Lead or support process and mechanical design packages, basis-of-design documentation, and scope definitions through FEL/FEED stages.
- Review PFDs, P&IDs, equipment lists, specifications, and related technical documents to clarify project requirements.
- Perform or oversee equipment sizing, process calculations, and mechanical design reviews as appropriate.
Estimating & Cost Management
- Develop, review, and communicate conceptual and detailed cost estimates aligned with FEL/FEED milestones.
- Document estimate assumptions, engineering calculations, scope boundaries, and supporting information.
- Maintain and apply historical project cost and design data to improve estimating consistency and accuracy.
Coordination, Risk & Constructability
- Coordinate across process, mechanical, civil/structural, electrical, instrumentation, and other disciplines to support integrated, constructible designs.
- Partner with clients and outside engineering firms to align technical scope, schedules, and cost expectations.
- Identify technical, schedule, and cost risks; contribute to mitigation planning, value engineering, and constructability reviews.
Communication & Delivery
- Prepare and present scope, estimate, and technical-basis packages for internal and external stakeholders.
- Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and site visits as required.
- Provide complete, organized project definition and estimating information to project managers at handoff.
- Manage multiple project scopes, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Approximately 5–15 years of design experience in refining, petrochemical, energy, or power generation.
- Demonstrated experience on multidisciplinary engineering design teams.
- Technical expertise in process and mechanical design, including project scope development and FEL/FEED estimating.
- Working knowledge of applicable industry standards and codes, including API and ASME.
- Proficiency with relevant process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, CHEMCARD), estimating tools (e.g., Aspen Capital Cost Estimator, Bluebeam), and project management software.
- Ownership & initiative: Independently identifies gaps, advances decisions, and follows through on commitments.
- Technical judgment: Balances engineering rigor, constructability, project risk, and cost implications.
- Collaboration: Builds productive working relationships with clients, external design partners, vendors, and internal teams.
- Communication: Explains technical issues, assumptions, and recommendations clearly to varied audiences.
- Organization & accountability: Prioritizes competing deadlines and maintains dependable, accurate documentation.
- Continuous improvement: Uses lessons learned and historical data to strengthen future work.
Performance will be evaluated through the quality and timeliness of project definition and estimate deliverables; clarity and traceability of assumptions and documentation; identification and communication of risks; effectiveness of cross-functional coordination and client communication; readiness of project handoffs; and contribution to estimating and design-process improvement. Specific project goals and measures will be established with the Sector General Manager.
Working Conditions & TravelThe role includes office-based coordination and technical work, client and design-review meetings, and site visits as project needs require. Specific travel frequency, physical demands, and any site-related requirements should be confirmed by the hiring manager before final approval.
Internal AdministrationThis document describes the general scope and expectations of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may evolve with business and project needs. HR and the hiring manager should confirm classification, supervisory scope, and working-condition details before issuance.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
- Approximately 5-15 years of design experience in refining, petrochemical, energy, or power generation
- Experience working on multidisciplinary engineering design teams
- Technical expertise in process and mechanical design, project scope development, and FEL/FEED estimating
- Working knowledge of applicable industry standards and codes, including API and ASME
- Proficiency with process simulation software such as Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, or CHEMCARD
- Proficiency with estimating tools such as Aspen Capital Cost Estimator and Bluebeam
- Proficiency with project management software
What We Do
Buffalo Builders is an Arkansas-based, full-service construction firm serving project owners across the United States. It provides general contracting, design-build, construction management, consulting, and engineering, procurement, and construction services. Its work spans retail and commercial projects; logistics, warehousing, and distribution facilities; petrochemical, renewable-energy, and heavy construction; offices, restaurants, tenant improvements, and multifamily, residential, and student-housing development. The company highlights collaborative, efficient delivery tailored to clients’ visions, budgets, and schedules.
