Cost Estimator - Houston

Cost Estimator · Job Title:  Cost Estimator · Scope: · ☒VIIO · ☐FPT · ☐PLQ · ☐SCO · Manager: · Sr Project Manager · Hay Grade: · 16 · Function: · Growth Projects · Department: · Projects · Date Created: · February 2026 · Location: · Houston, TX · Company Overview: · Vopak is a ...

Job description

Cost Estimator

Job Title:  Cost Estimator

Scope:

☒VIIO

☐FPT

☐PLQ

☐SCO

Manager:

Sr Project Manager

Hay Grade:

16

Function:

Growth Projects

Department:

Projects

Date Created:

February 2026

Location:

Houston, TX

Company Overview:

Vopak is an independent infrastructure provider with an unrivaled network of 78 terminals in 23 countries and 25+ joint venture partners. We have a diversified portfolio which is a critical enabler for product flows today and in the future. We serve energy and manufacturing markets offering significant growth opportunities to our 1,000+ customers, including new products and services. We take pride in improving access to cleaner energy and feedstocks for a growing world population, ensuring safe, clean and efficient storage and handling of bulk liquid products and gases.

We are developing new infrastructure solutions to actively contribute to the introduction of future vital products, focusing on zero- and low-carbon hydrogen, ammonia, CO2 infrastructure, flow batteries and sustainable feedstocks.

What We Offer:

• Various flexible and hybrid work schedules
• Career development and growth opportunities
• Competitive, market-based compensation package depending on your experience and knowledge
• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account Options
• Short Term/Long Term Disability Insurance
• Basic and Supplemental Life/AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) Incentive Savings Plan
• Paid Holidays (Fixed and floating)
• Paid Time Off and Sick Days
• Additional Benefits:
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Accident Insurance
  • Legal Plan
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Hospital Indemnity Insurance
  • Legal Plan
  • ID Theft Insurance
  • Universal Life

What you will do in this role:

The Cost Estimator is the technical-financial architect for VIIO's growth projects. You will align the Vopak Project Management (VPM) standard with the applicable AACE Recommended Practices to project cost estimates.
 

Your Core Responsibilities:

Cost Engineering & Estimating

• As a part of the growth project team, cover the functional area of estimating while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to assure all requirements and specifications are captured at each stage
• Apply AACE 97R-18 and other relevant industry practices to manage the transition of estimates
• Lead the team in analyzing data to ensure zero gaps in project costs
• Support the Tender Boards (TB1, 2, & 3)
• Use risk graph methods and AACE-aligned risk drivers to determine financial contingency while balancing safety layer costs against the likelihood of a hazardous event

Technical & Safety Integration

• Use Safety Life Cycle Quantifications to translate mandatory safety requirements into accurate costs
• Maintain familiarity with codes and standards for both mechanical tank infrastructure and complex process safety systems
• Ensure all technical estimates align with industry-specific codes and Vopak Global Standards
• Participate in 3D-model, HAZOP, and maintainability reviews (FMECA) to ensure "safe and efficient maintainability" is priced into the project

Other duties as assigned

What We Expect:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or Civil) p
• 5-10 years of experience in industrial estimating, construction management, or project management; focusing on tank terminals
• Experience with Brownfield and/or Greenfield tank terminals and/or petrochemical infrastructure
• Project experience including Growth & Sustaining Capex projects, Debottlenecking, Turnaround (TAR) projects, and In-Situ upgrades
• Expert of AACE International Recommended Practices, including 97R-18 and 105-90
• Proficient in translating LOPA and SIS architecture into cost models
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, Google, modeling tools
• Must have or be able to obtain TWIC card
• Excellent communication including fluent in English
• High safety awareness

Work Environment:

This position requires an employee to be in an office environment as well as exposed to outside elements. Most extreme elements are heat in the summer months of up to 100°+ and some exposure to cold of generally no less than 0° in the winter months. There will be exposure to various chemicals and compounds, including fumes and smells, some of them hazardous. The employee may work in elevated environments. Employee must be able to wear PPE required by the locations where they work. General office noise may be experienced and louder sounds and vibrations when outside. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. All environments are safe with appropriate PPE.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, speak, and hear. The employee is required to stand, use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; the employee may be required, on occasion, to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may be required to climb ladders/storage tanks up to 50' in height. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Employee may be required to travel by air, rail, bus, or car.

Inclusion & Diversity:

Vopak stores vital products with care. Our commitment to care extends to all our stakeholders, including our own employees, new talents and people in our local communities around the globe. We believe that each individual has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, political orientation or trade union membership, allowing everyone at Vopak to develop their full potential.

Additional Information:

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.  Company sponsorship for immigration or work visas will be reviewed on a case by case basis.