Saudi Aramco | Saudi Arabia
Introduction
Cost estimating is one of the most critical disciplines in engineering project management. Accurate estimates help organizations make informed investment decisions, allocate resources efficiently, manage risks, and ensure the successful delivery of large-scale projects. For experienced engineering professionals, the Estimating Engineer position at Aramco presents an opportunity to contribute to some of the world’s most complex and high-value energy projects.
As capital investments in the energy sector continue to expand across the GCC, companies require highly skilled professionals capable of producing reliable project cost estimates throughout every stage of project development. Estimating engineers play a strategic role by supporting project planning, budgeting, procurement, and execution decisions.
This opportunity is particularly suitable for professionals with extensive experience in cost estimation, project controls, construction management, and oil and gas project development. Candidates who possess strong analytical capabilities and a deep understanding of engineering costs may find this role especially rewarding within a globally recognized organization.
Job Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Estimating Engineer |
| Company | Aramco |
| Job Req ID | 17396 |
| Location | Saudi Arabia |
| Department | Engineering |
| Industry | Oil & Gas, Energy, Engineering |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Experience Required | Minimum 20 Years |
| Education Required | Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering |
| Posting Source | Official Employer Careers Portal |
Post Status: Active
Last Verified: June 2026
Note: Applicants should verify current availability through the employer’s official careers page.
About the Company
Aramco is recognized globally as one of the largest integrated energy companies, operating across exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals, and energy infrastructure development. Over several decades, the company has built a reputation for delivering large-scale projects that support both domestic and international energy markets.
The organization manages some of the world’s most technically challenging industrial facilities and continuously invests in innovation, technology, sustainability initiatives, and workforce development. Employees often work on projects involving advanced engineering solutions, large capital expenditures, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
For engineering professionals, Aramco offers exposure to world-class project execution methodologies, international standards, and complex industrial environments that can significantly enhance long-term career development.
Role Overview
The Estimating Engineer is responsible for developing accurate and comprehensive cost estimates that support project planning and investment decisions. This role ensures that project budgets reflect realistic construction, material, equipment, labor, and execution costs.
Working closely with engineering, procurement, construction, and project management teams, the Estimating Engineer helps establish financial expectations throughout the project lifecycle. From conceptual studies to detailed engineering phases, accurate estimating supports informed decision-making and effective risk management.
The position also requires evaluating project scope, analyzing market conditions, reviewing quotations, and identifying cost uncertainties that may impact project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Estimation Development
- Prepare conceptual, preliminary, and detailed project estimates
- Develop Class 4 through Class 1 estimates
- Establish estimate accuracy ranges
- Support investment decision-making processes
Scope Analysis and Project Evaluation
- Review project drawings and specifications
- Analyze engineering deliverables
- Evaluate project execution strategies
- Assess site-specific construction requirements
Cost Data Management
- Utilize historical project data
- Analyze vendor quotations
- Benchmark costs against industry standards
- Maintain estimating databases
Material and Equipment Cost Assessment
- Evaluate bulk material requirements
- Review specialty equipment pricing
- Analyze licensed technology costs
- Verify supplier quotations
Risk and Contingency Evaluation
- Identify project cost risks
- Assess uncertainty factors
- Develop contingency recommendations
- Support project risk management initiatives
Reporting and Budget Monitoring
- Generate cost reports
- Track budget performance
- Forecast project expenditures
- Support management reviews
Standards and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with internal estimating procedures
- Apply recognized estimating methodologies
- Follow Work Breakdown Structure requirements
- Support project approval processes
Required Skills & Qualifications
Education
Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, preferably in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Technical Skills
- Cost estimating methodologies
- Bottom-up estimating
- Parametric estimating
- Unit rate development
- Cost benchmarking
- Quantity take-off analysis
- Construction cost modeling
- Project controls systems
Industry Knowledge
- Oil and gas project development
- Industrial construction practices
- EPC project execution
- Procurement processes
- Capital project management
- Cost engineering principles
Soft Skills
- Analytical thinking
- Communication skills
- Stakeholder management
- Problem-solving capabilities
- Leadership abilities
- Time management
Preferred Certifications
Professionals holding the following certifications may possess a competitive advantage:
- Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
- AACE International Certifications
- PMP Certification
- Professional Engineering License
- Project Controls Certifications
Why This Role Matters in the GCC Market
The GCC continues to invest heavily in energy, petrochemical, infrastructure, and industrial development projects. As a result, demand for experienced estimating professionals remains strong throughout the region.
Major capital projects require accurate forecasting of costs before investment decisions are made. Errors in estimating can significantly impact project viability, profitability, and stakeholder confidence.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives continue to drive investment across multiple sectors, creating substantial opportunities for professionals with expertise in cost engineering and project estimation.
Organizations increasingly seek specialists who can combine technical engineering knowledge with commercial awareness and advanced estimating methodologies.
Career Growth Opportunities
Senior Estimating Engineer
Lead complex estimating assignments and mentor junior estimators.
Lead Cost Engineer
Oversee cost engineering activities across multiple projects.
Project Controls Manager
Manage estimating, scheduling, and cost control functions.
Engineering Manager
Provide technical and commercial leadership across engineering disciplines.
Capital Projects Director
Lead major investment programs and strategic project portfolios.
Executive Leadership Roles
Experienced professionals may advance into senior project development and operational leadership positions.
Interview Preparation Tips
Technical Topics to Review
- AACE estimating classifications
- Cost estimation methodologies
- Quantity take-offs
- EPC project execution
- Risk analysis techniques
- Construction cost planning
- Budget forecasting
Common Interview Questions
- How do you develop a Class 1 estimate?
- What factors influence estimate accuracy?
- Describe your experience with large-scale oil and gas projects.
- How do you manage estimating risks?
- Explain your approach to contingency development.
Practical Preparation Advice
Review previous estimating projects and prepare examples demonstrating cost savings, estimate accuracy improvements, and successful project support.
Industry Expectations
Senior estimating professionals are expected to possess both technical expertise and strategic commercial awareness when evaluating project investments.
Living and Working in Saudi Arabia
Cost of Living
Costs vary depending on the city and lifestyle preferences, though many engineering professionals receive competitive compensation packages.
Housing
Housing allowances or employer-supported accommodations are common in many professional-level positions.
Transportation
Saudi Arabia offers modern transportation infrastructure including highways, airports, and expanding public transit systems.
Work Culture
Engineering environments typically emphasize safety, professionalism, technical excellence, and collaboration.
Lifestyle
The Kingdom continues to expand its entertainment, tourism, and cultural offerings, creating an increasingly attractive environment for international professionals.
Application Tips
Resume Optimization
Highlight major projects, estimate values, cost engineering achievements, and relevant industry experience.
ATS-Friendly Formatting
Use clear headings, professional formatting, and industry-specific keywords throughout your resume.
Skill Highlighting
Emphasize estimating methodologies, project controls experience, engineering expertise, and commercial awareness.
Interview Readiness
Prepare measurable examples that demonstrate your ability to improve estimate accuracy and support successful project execution.
How to Apply
To submit an application, visit the employer’s official careers portal and search using Job Req ID 17396.
Always apply through the employer’s official recruitment channels and ensure all information provided is accurate and up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Estimating Engineer do?
An Estimating Engineer develops project cost estimates for materials, labor, equipment, construction activities, and overall project execution.
Is oil and gas experience required?
Yes. Extensive experience within oil and gas, energy, or industrial sectors is highly important for this position.
What are Class 1 to Class 4 estimates?
These are estimate classifications defined by industry standards that indicate different levels of project definition and estimate accuracy.
Why is AACE knowledge important?
AACE International standards are widely recognized in cost engineering and project controls worldwide.
What software skills are useful for estimating engineers?
Cost estimating software, project controls systems, spreadsheets, databases, and engineering management tools are commonly used.
What career opportunities can follow this role?
Professionals often progress into lead estimating, project controls, engineering management, and executive project leadership positions.
Final Thoughts
The Estimating Engineer position at Aramco offers experienced engineering professionals an opportunity to contribute to globally significant energy projects while working within one of the world’s most respected organizations.
Candidates with strong backgrounds in cost engineering, project estimation, project controls, and industrial construction may find this role particularly attractive due to its strategic importance and exposure to large-scale capital projects.
For professionals seeking long-term growth in engineering and project management, this position can serve as an excellent platform for advancement into senior leadership roles across the GCC energy sector.
To apply for this job please visit careers.aramco.com.
