Estimator, Project Controls

What to Expect

As a Construction Estimator at Tesla, you will be a critical embedded member of our active project delivery teams, focused on execution-phase estimating for Tesla’s manufacturing facilities. You will combine deep fundamental knowledge of cost drivers with real-time project oversight — developing change order estimates, forecasting Estimate at Completion (EAC), performing variance analysis, monitoring productivity, and driving value engineering decisions while construction is underway. You will be responsible for communicating execution realities with the pre-development estimating team by feeding actuals, lessons learned, and benchmarking data. This role is for someone who thrives in the field, being at the execution level, and enables Tesla to scale at Ludacris speed through accurate, agile, and actionable cost intelligence. This position is full time, onsite in Austin, TX.

What You’ll Do

• Act as the primary project-based estimator embedded in execution teams, providing real-time cost support from construction kickoff through project closeout
• Develop detailed change order estimates rapidly and accurately, clearly articulating cost impacts, schedule implications, and risk exposure
• Perform continuous cost forecasting, including monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC), variance analysis (budget vs. actuals vs. forecast), and clear communication of drivers to project leadership
• Monitor and analyze construction productivity on site; identify deviations early, quantify impacts, and collaborate with field teams on corrective actions
• Conduct risk identification, qualitative and quantitative risk analysis, and maintain risk registers with associated cost contingencies throughout execution
• Lead value engineering (VE) and design option estimating during construction, delivering fast-turnaround cost comparisons to support critical decision-making
• Create what-if scenario estimates to evaluate execution strategy changes, acceleration options, and recovery plans

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience with a strong emphasis on project execution-phase work for all trades
• Experience with conceptual and detailed estimation including takeoffs for scope quantification
• Proven expertise in change order estimating, EAC forecasting, variance analysis, and productivity monitoring and analysis
• Deep experience in value engineering and design option costing with the ability to deliver high-quality results on very short timelines
• Strong understanding of how things are built at the fundamental level across Civil, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Life Safety systems
• Excellent risk identification and analysis skills with the ability to quantify and clearly communicate cost and schedule risks