Engineering Estimator

Job Description

For over four decades, MDS has maintained its unrivaled position as a global leader in Gas Turbine Engine Solutions, serving prestigious companies worldwide. Specializing in aviation, industrial, and marine solutions, MDS provides tailored, complete Gas Turbine Engine test facilities, establishing itself as a key partner to its clients. From building the world’s most advanced, one-of-a-kind gas turbine engine test facilities—with projects in more than 20 countries—to being at the forefront of research and development, MDS continually drives innovation.

MDS, a world leader in designing and constructing gas turbine engine test equipment and facilities, has a requirement for an Engineering Estimator here in Ottawa, ON.

As an Engineering Estimator, you’ll play a central and high profile role in winning new business which will in turn influence the future strategic direction of the company. You will be responsible for liaising with personnel across all MDS engineering departments to help converge upon cost effective solutions to meet the complex and diverse technical needs of MDS’ growing client base. The role offers a unique opportunity to interface not only with all of MDS’ business departments but also to engage directly with senior executives and owners of the company on business-critical decisions. In an exciting and dynamic workplace, you will be a key contributor to cost and commercial management of proposals and will gain wide exposure to business development strategies for selling engineering products and services internationally to major gas turbine manufacturers.

What you'll be doing:

• Reviewing customer technical and commercial requirements, being responsible for identifying key cost drivers and potential cost-capability trade offs; 
• Responsible for preparing MDS’ estimates to account for costs of execution including internal resource hours, procurement of 3rd party equipment/services, delivery and on-site installation and commissioning activities; 
• Working in close collaboration with Sales and Proposal Managers to agree strategies to develop technical solutions and commercial models to meet client needs, often in challenging timescales and competitive bid scenarios; 
• Consulting with Operations and multi-disciplinary engineering resources to support the development of solutions and 3rd party scope definitions for soliciting external proposals;
• Working with 3rd party suppliers to define scope of supply and obtain bids. Reviewing 3rd party proposals to ensure any gaps or inconsistencies in the technical and commercial solution are understood and duly accounted for, be it via baseline cost inclusions or factored contingency;
• Depending upon the price quality requested by the client, exercising sound judgement in leveraging a blend of estimation methods, including but not limited to extrapolation of costs from historical data and parametric type analyses, as may be best suited to meet the needs of the proposal team in meeting the deadline; 
• In concert with the wider proposals team, responsible for generation of costed risk registers, estimating pre- and post-mitigation factored contingency;
• Responsible for generating commercial sections of the overall proposal, including but not limited to consideration of cash flows and appropriate payment plans as well as capture of key assumptions, exclusions and dependencies which impact cost / risk;
• Working with subject matter experts to understand and account for costs / risks associated with taxation, duties, bonding and contractual terms;
• Leading briefings to senior management on cost builds, proposed selling presentations and potential negotiation strategies, in order to help our leaders make informed decisions to secure future business;
• Opportunities for direct client interaction and assisting in fielding post-submission price queries and challenges. 

What'll help your success?

• At least 2 years’ experience in developing bespoke engineering solutions / services, systems engineering, commercial management and/or estimation;
• Ability to interpret complex requirement statements and distill key information, including cost drivers and areas of schedule and technical risk; 
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Word;
• An astute individual with a keen eye for detail who is willing to challenge and be challenged;
• Ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely in an engaging manner that helps people in different parts of the organisation retain key messages;
• Capable of multi-tasking without missing deadlines, establishing an action plan for self and others to complete work efficiently and on time; 
• A collaborative team player with strong communication skills who works effectively with others while also being able to take ownership and operate independently when required;
• Eagerness to push the boundaries of your personal learning and development;
• Willing and able to travel internationally as required. 

Nice to have experience and competencies

Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate:

• 5 or more years’ experience estimating engineering solutions at various stages of design maturity, from development of technical concepts all the way through to turn-key system delivery involving integration of multiple engineering disciplines and 3rd party supply components; 
• University degree in Engineering, CET or equivalent; 
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings; 
• Graduate or post-graduate level qualifications in commercial or estimating disciplines;
• Ability to speak and/or comprehend foreign languages.

 What to expect:

Work in an exciting, growing business which is an industry leader in gas turbine and component test solutions. MDS was established in 1985 and remains well-positioned in the marketplace, having strong connections with original equipment manufacturers and nearing completion of execution on a turn-key supply contract for the world’s largest indoor engine test cell. As part of a dynamic and tight-knit team you will have regular interactions with all areas and levels of the business to deliver competitive proposals in response to engine test requirements all over the world. Personal and career development is centred around structured performance and talent reviews and there will be opportunities for mentorship from senior executives to help the individual frame their career progression path.

What's in it for you?

We believe in and encourage open and transparent communication across the organization so every year we invite our people to a bi-annual Town Hall Meeting. 

We are passionate about our people, business, customers and community so we demonstrate the utmost care, respect and accountability for everything we do. 

No matter who you are or where you’re from, we welcome new ideas and fresh perspectives. We believe in teamwork. We’re better, together. 

 On top of that, MDS offers the following:

• Canada’s Best Managed companies (Platinum member)
• Employee bonus program
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan
• 100% employer-paid annual sick leave, health and dental premiums, and life, accidental death, and short-term disability insurance. 
• Health Spending Account (for some medical expenses that aren’t covered under provincial plans or our standard insurance plan) 
•  Lumino Virtual Health Care 
•  Maternity and parental leave top-up
• Fitness Membership Reimbursement
• Positive and flexible work environment
• Opportunity for career advancement
• Strong focus on learning and development
• Company events including family holiday party, employee events, executive - led coffee talks, team gatherings, and so much more
• Inclusive workforce

The reference Total Cash Compensation range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and target variable compensation, is between $80,000 and $115,000 CAD annually. Actual compensation within this range will be determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This role also includes additional comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, financial security, and work-life balance.

MDS is an equal opportunity employer. MDS does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, mental or physical disability, religion, sex or national origin or ethnic origin. 

MDS Aero Support is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodations are available upon request at any stage of the hiring process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates who meet or exceed our requirements, are legally eligible to work in Canada, are eligible for Controlled Goods, and do not require sponsorship will be contacted.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):  We use AI tools solely to assist with drafting and improving the wording of our job postings. AI is not used at any stage of candidate screening, résumé review, or hiring decision-making. All applications are reviewed by our recruitment team.

Telephone calls not accepted from candidates or agencies.