Engineering Estimator

About MDS Gas Turbine Engine Solutions

For more than 40 years, MDS has established itself as a global frontrunner in Gas Turbine Engine Solutions, delivering customized and comprehensive engine test facilities to prominent aviation, industrial, and marine companies worldwide. With projects spanning over 20 countries, MDS is renowned for constructing cutting-edge gas turbine engine test infrastructures and leading innovation through research and development.

Role Overview

As an Engineering Estimator based in Ottawa, you will hold a critical and visible position influencing the company’s future growth. Your responsibilities include collaborating across all engineering departments at MDS to identify cost-effective solutions tailored to complex client requirements. This role involves close interaction with senior management and company owners, supporting business development by managing cost and commercial aspects of proposals for international bids with major gas turbine manufacturers.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze customer technical and commercial specifications to identify principal cost factors and evaluate possible trade-offs between cost and capability.
• Develop detailed estimates encompassing internal labor, third-party equipment procurement, delivery logistics, and installation and commissioning activities.
• Collaborate closely with Sales and Proposal Managers to define technical and commercial strategies within tight deadlines and competitive environments.
• Engage with Operations and multidisciplinary engineering teams to refine solution designs and scopes for external supplier quotations.
• Manage third-party supplier interactions, including defining supply scopes, soliciting bids, and assessing proposals for technical and financial consistency, applying contingencies as necessary.
• Apply a range of estimation techniques, such as historical cost extrapolation and parametric analysis, to best support proposal objectives and deadlines.
• Contribute to the creation of costed risk registers and the estimation of contingency values before and after mitigation efforts.
• Prepare the commercial sections of proposals addressing cash flow planning, payment terms, and capturing assumptions, exclusions, and dependencies affecting cost and risk.
• Coordinate with experts on the implications of taxes, duties, bonds, and contractual terms on project costing and risk factors.
• Present cost breakdowns and negotiation tactics to senior leadership to support strategic decision-making aimed at securing new business.
• Participate in post-submission client engagements to address pricing questions and challenges.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of two years’ experience in estimating or managing commercial aspects associated with bespoke engineering solutions, systems engineering, or related fields.
• Strong ability to interpret complex documentation, extract essential cost drivers, and assess technical and scheduling risks.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word for performing detailed cost analyses and documentation.
• Keen attention to detail, with a mindset open to questioning existing assumptions and welcoming constructive feedback.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly and engagingly convey complex technical and financial information across different organizational levels.
• Effective multitasking and time management skills to ensure prompt delivery of multiple assignments.
• Team-oriented approach coupled with the capacity to take initiative and work independently when required.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as job demands require.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Over five years of experience estimating engineering projects throughout various design stages, including turnkey system delivery and multi-disciplinary integration.
• Engineering degree, Certified Engineering Technician (CET) certification, or equivalent educational qualifications.
• Competency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Higher education credentials in commercial or estimating disciplines.
• Proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

What You Can Expect

You will join a thriving company renowned in the gas turbine test solutions sector, working within a close-knit, dynamic team. The role offers extensive engagement with various business areas and leadership levels, contributing to competitive global proposals.

Career development is supported by structured performance review processes and mentorship opportunities from senior executives to help map your professional growth.

Benefits and Work Environment

• MDS is recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed companies (Platinum status).
• Participation in an employee bonus program.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan.
• Employer-paid full coverage for annual sick leave, health and dental insurance, life insurance, accidental death, and short-term disability.
• Health Spending Account for medical expenses not covered by provincial plans or company insurance.
• Access to Lumino Virtual Health Care services.
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits.
• Reimbursement for fitness memberships.
• Supportive and adaptable workplace culture.
• Opportunities for advancement within the company.
• Strong emphasis on learning and growth.
• Regular company events, including family parties, employee gatherings, coffee talks, and team-building activities.
• Inclusive work environment valuing diverse perspectives and teamwork.

Compensation

The salary range for this position spans from $80,000 to $125,000 annually, depending on the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience. Additional variable bonuses and comprehensive benefits are also included to promote health, financial security, and a balanced work-life.

Equal Opportunity and Additional Notes

MDS is committed to equal employment opportunity, prohibiting discrimination on various grounds including age, race, disability, religion, gender, nationality, or ethnicity. The company supports accessibility accommodations throughout the hiring process in line with applicable laws.

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada, meet Controlled Goods requirements, and not require sponsorship.

Applicants' submissions are reviewed exclusively by our recruitment team; artificial intelligence is used only for job posting improvements and not involved in candidate evaluation.