Senior Estimation Engineer – EPC Projects (Oil & Gas)

About Dolphin

Dolphin Oilfield Equipment Services, based in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, delivers industrial services to ADNOC group companies, EGA, Borouge, and other oil & gas, power, and industrial clients throughout the UAE. The company specializes in manufacturing, servicing, and retubing heat exchangers, executing EPC site works including structural, piping, and equipment installation, and managing shutdown and turnaround maintenance campaigns both onshore and offshore.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Estimation Engineer or Project Estimator responsible for handling EPC project cost estimations encompassing structural, piping, mechanical, equipment installation, civil interfaces, and site services. This role focuses on building precise estimates using company man-hour standards, historical contract data, and tender libraries, continuously refining them with actual project data. The position prioritizes cost estimation for winning tenders and supports tender schedules in collaboration with the planning engineer but does not involve operating planning software.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates for EPC tenders, covering material take-offs (MTO), BOQs, man-hour computations, plant and equipment costs, and subcontractor versus in-house division.
• Analyze RFQs, engineering drawings, specifications, and scopes of work to determine material, manpower, and equipment demands.
• Collaborate with procurement teams for material pricing, subcontractor quotes, and lead time assessments.
• Create cost breakdowns and commercial proposals aligned with pricing strategies and margin objectives.
• Incorporate site conditions such as productivity factors, access limitations, permits, and shift patterns into estimates, supported by pre-bid site surveys.
• Maintain and expand the estimation norms library and benchmark costs with historical tender and contract data.
• Compare estimated versus actual labor and costs on completed projects and use insights to improve future bidding accuracy.
• Assist with bid clarifications, respond to technical queries, and participate in client negotiations with sound numerical justifications.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering with a proven record in cost estimation.
• At least 6 years of senior-level estimating experience (6-10 years) in EPC, site-work, or fabrication packages within the Gulf oil and gas sector.
• Practical site execution experience, including supervision or management of site activities, not limited to office-based pricing.
• Proficiency in advanced Excel functions for creating estimates, norms databases, and quantity takeoffs.
• Ability to perform quantity take-offs from structural, piping, and mechanical drawings.
• Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal, for creating tender documents and client engagement.

Preferred Skills

• Experience on ADNOC projects or with major EPC contractors such as NPCC, Petrofac, or Technip.
• Background in shutdown or turnaround project estimation or execution is highly desirable.
• Competence in multi-discipline take-offs (civil, E&I, HVAC), ERP or job-costing systems, and understanding of scheduling concepts like WBS and S-curves.

Employment Conditions

• Position is office-based at Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, requiring regular site visits for pre-bid surveys, actual job reviews, and attendance during major shutdown mobilizations.
• Work peaks occur near tender submissions, with quieter periods at other times.
• This is not a remote position.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead and develop the EPC estimation function with direct access to senior management.
• An established estimation system supported by norms, historical contracts, and continuous feedback from executed projects.
• Pathway for career growth into shutdown/turnaround estimation roles with leadership involvement.
• Competitive salary and benefits in line with UAE labor laws, with immediate availability preferred.

Additional Information

Candidates currently in the UAE with transferable visas and immediate availability are preferred. The role requires consistent office presence with site engagement, emphasizing a hands-on estimator role rather than remote work.