Chief Cost Estimator - Houston - Compu Dynamics

Description

At Compu Dynamics, we don't just build infrastructure— we create the backbone of the digital future. As North America's premier technology infrastructure design‑build partner, we design, construct, and maintain mission‑critical data centers for some of the world's most innovative companies. With roots in one of the fastest‑growing data center markets in the world, our growth is as intentional as our impact.

About Compu Dynamics Modular

Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM) is at the forefront of innovative modular solutions, specializing in Modular Data Centers (MDC), metal frame systems, and fully integrated enclosures. Our designs are scalable, efficient, and sustainable, tailored to meet the evolving needs of our clients in a dynamic industry.

Summary/Objective

The Chief Cost Estimator (CCE), Modular Data Center Systems is a senior leadership role responsible for defining, governing, and continuously improving the cost structure, pricing strategy, and estimating discipline for Compu Dynamics Modular's factory‑fabricated modular data center solutions.

This role owns end‑to‑end cost modeling across design, fabrication, integration, logistics, and delivery— ensuring that CDM's modular products are priced accurately, competitively, and profitably. The CCE establishes standardized estimating methodologies, develops scalable cost models, and provides executive‑level insight into margin performance, cost drivers, and risk exposure.

Leveraging deep experience across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and financial modeling, the Chief Cost Estimator partners closely with executive leadership, engineering, operations, procurement, and sales to support ROMs, firm bids, long‑range planning, and strategic growth initiatives. This role is foundational to CDM's ability to scale modular manufacturing while meeting aggressive customer schedules and profitability targets.

This role requires deep, hands‑on experience estimating mission‑critical data center infrastructure, with specific expertise in modular data center systems. The Chief Cost Estimator must possess technical fluency in electrical, mechanical, structural, and controls systems commonly integrated into data center modules and must be capable of independently identifying scope, validating completeness, and ensuring constructible, build‑ready estimates without reliance on others for technical interpretation. Technical competence in data center systems is mandatory.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Cost Strategy, Modeling & Governance
  • Lead the development and ownership of comprehensive cost models for standard and custom modular data center solutions.
  • Define and maintain estimating standards, assumptions, templates, and governance processes across CDM.
  • Establish and maintain detailed cost databases using historical data, benchmarking, and market intelligence.
  • Calculate and continuously refine Cost of Goods Manufactured (COGM) and fully burdened cost structures.
  • Identify and proactively manage key cost drivers, risks, and margin sensitivities across the product lifecycle.
• BOM & Manufacturing Cost Analysis
  • Oversee the creation, validation, and ongoing optimization of Bills of Materials (BOMs) in partnership with engineering.
  • Ensure BOM accuracy, completeness, and alignment with manufacturing realities and supplier capabilities.
  • Develop detailed, line‑item cost breakdowns for:
  • Structural steel and fabrication
  • Electrical and mechanical integration
  • Module assembly, coatings, testing, packaging, and logistics
  • Analyze direct materials, direct labor, manufacturing overhead, and integration costs for internal and external manufacturing partners.
• Pricing, Quotation & Profitability Leadership
  • Lead the preparation of ROM estimates, firm quotations, and delivery timelines for customer proposals.
  • Develop and recommend pricing strategies that balance market competitiveness with margin and risk targets.
  • Provide executive‑level profitability analysis to support bid/no‑bid decisions.
  • Partner with Sales and Business Development on commercial strategy, scope clarity, and competitive positioning.
  • Maintain revision control, documentation, and auditability of all estimates and proposals.
• Manufacturing Process Definition & Optimization
  • Define and document manufacturing processes, labor allocation, equipment requirements, and tooling assumptions to support accurate bidding.
  • Utilize simulation tools and scenario modeling to assess production capacity, throughput constraints, and scalability.
  • Analyze internal and partner manufacturing operations to identify cost reduction and efficiency opportunities.
  • Ensure estimating assumptions are validated against real‑world production data and outcomes.
• Cross‑Functional & Executive Collaboration
  • Partner closely with Engineering to align design intent, manufacturability, and cost outcomes.
  • Collaborate with Procurement and Supply Chain to evaluate vendors, negotiate pricing, manage lead times, and identify alternatives.
  • Work with Operations and Manufacturing to reconcile estimates with actuals and continuously improve accuracy.
  • Present cost analyses, pricing recommendations, and risk assessments to executive leadership with clarity and confidence.
  • Support long‑range financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for CDM manufacturing operations.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Build, mentor, and lead the cost estimating function as CDM scales.
  • Establish roles, workflows, and performance expectations for estimating staff.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert and escalation point for complex or high‑risk estimates.
  • Foster a disciplined, data‑driven, and collaborative estimating culture.

Competencies

• Executive‑level analytical and financial modeling capability
• Deep understanding of manufacturing economics and cost structures
• Strong business judgment and risk assessment skills
• Ability to communicate complex cost concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high‑impact initiatives
• High level of accountability, ownership, and attention to detail
• Comfort operating in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and cost modeling tools
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (NetSuite preferred)
• Working knowledge of CAD/PDM systems and technical drawings
• Familiarity with simulation and manufacturing optimization tools
• Strong understanding of overhead allocation and absorption methodologies

Supervisory Responsibility

This role will oversee the cost estimating function and may manage estimators and analysts as the department grows.

Work Environment

This position operates in an office and/or remote environment with regular interaction with manufacturing facilities, subcontractors, and suppliers. Occasional travel is required. Physical demands are consistent with office‑based roles, with periodic manufacturing floor exposure requiring PPE.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use computers for extended periods. Employee must occasionally stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and lift or move office products and supplies up to 20 pounds. Occasional walking on manufacturing floor may require appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Position Type

This is a full‑time position.

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Business, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience estimating mission‑critical data center infrastructure, including direct responsibility for electrical and mechanical systems
• Demonstrated experience estimating modular data center projects or factory‑fabricated mission‑critical systems
• Demonstrated expertise in BOM development, COGM analysis, and pricing strategy
• Proven experience supporting executive‑level decision making
• Strong understanding of modular manufacturing, fabrication, or complex assemblies

Preferred Education And Experience

• Extensive experience in modular data centers or mission‑critical infrastructure environments is strongly preferred
• Exposure to electrical, mechanical, and cooling systems
• Industry certifications (Certified Cost Professional, PMP, or similar)
• Experience scaling estimating functions in high‑growth environments

EEO Statement

Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM) provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Military Codes: 120A, 6042, & 5915

PM23

Compu Dynamics Pay Range

$170,000 — $230,000 USD

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – effective the first of the month following hire, with plans currently offered through Cigna.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – automatic enrollment at 3% on your date of hire; company match up to 4% (with a 7% contribution needed to receive the full match), plus profit‑sharing opportunities.
• Employer‑Paid Life Insurance – coverage equal to 1x your salary.
• Short‑Term Disability (STD) – fully paid by Compu Dynamics.
• Voluntary Benefits – including Long‑Term Disability, supplemental life insurance (employee, spouse, children), Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – accrue up to 160 hours (4 weeks) annually, beginning after 60 days of employment.
• Paid Holidays – 7 company‑observed holidays plus a floating holiday.
• Birthday Time Off – 8 hours of paid time off during your birthday month.
• Paid Parental Leave – 8 weeks maternity leave and 2 weeks paternity leave, concurrent with FMLA.
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO) – 40 hours annually for community service.
• Boot Reimbursement – up to $150 annually, available from your first day.
• Tool Reimbursement – $250 annually, available after 60 days.
• Tuition Reimbursement – up to $5,000 annually for approved educational programs.

Compu Dynamics, LLC provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics.

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of our pre‑employment drug screening, background/criminal check, and motor vehicle check.