Principal Estimator

About Us

Fortescue is both a proud West Australian company and a global green solutions business. We are recognised for our culture, innovation and industry-leading development of infrastructure, mining assets and green energy initiatives.

Our Opportunity

Work Location: Perth Office - Fortescue's Perth office is located on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk people.

Roster:  Monday to Friday

Fortescue is the technology, energy and metals group accelerating the commercial decarbonisation of industry, rapidly, profitably and globally.

The Estimating Team, as part of Major Projects, is responsible for the leadership, development and assurance of capital cost estimates supporting both mining operations and decarbonisation initiatives.

This role is central to delivering high-quality, consistent and data-driven cost outcomes—supporting investment decisions and ensuring robust estimating practices across a diverse and evolving project pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a small team of estimators within the Major Projects division, fostering a high-performance culture aligned to Fortescue’s values 
• Oversee the development, review, and assurance of Capex estimates across a portfolio of mining and decarbonisation projects at various stages (concept through to execution)
• Own and continuously improve core estimating frameworks and workstreams, including Cost Blocks, Country Factors, Learning Curves, Capex Library, WBS structures, and benchmarking tools
• Provide strategic estimating guidance to project teams, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment with corporate standards and investment requirements
• Partner closely with project managers, engineering, commercial, and decarbonisation teams to ensure estimates reflect technical scope, risks, and opportunities
• Drive continuous improvement by capturing and embedding lessons learned, historical data, and market intelligence into estimating practices and tools
• Support business decision-making by delivering high-quality cost insights, scenario analysis, and benchmarking to inform project selection and capital allocation
• Ensure robust governance and assurance processes are applied to all estimates, including reviews, validation, and alignment with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• Prior experience in a similar lead estimating role, preferably in the resources and or renewable energy sector and within a complex construction and engineering environment. 
• Minimum 15 + of experience as a practicing estimator at senior and leader level using industry recognised estimating systems.
• Experience working for a multi-national (client-side) and or Tier 1 Project Consultant
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and software development skills.
• Enjoy working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment collaborating with other like-minded team members and adjacent project teams.
• A robust capability in adapting and understanding to multidisciplinary requirements such as engineering, system, and data concepts.
• Strong data management and manipulation skills, with excellent computer literacy skills.
• Strong team skills.

Our Commitment

Fortescue is deeply committed to providing a safe culture that builds respect, fosters inclusiveness, and values diversity. We celebrate individual strengths and team members from all backgrounds are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Our global workforce drives and promotes an inclusive culture, both within our organisation and throughout the communities we interact with across the world. Diverse backgrounds include First Nations Peoples, people with differing abilities, LGBTIQ+ community, gender, neurodiverse, cultural diversity, all age groups, and those with an intersectional or multiple diverse characteristics. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

https://fortescue.com/careers 

Internal Candidates / Current Contractors please apply via Success Factors Careers Portal. For further information on how to apply please visit the Fortescue Hub. 

Fortescue reserves the right to close applications early should a suitable pool of candidates be identified. Fortescue will never contact you to ask for payment of any kind, whether directly or through a third party.