What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Cost Estimator position at Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM)?
Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM) is at the forefront of innovative modular solutions, specializing in Modular Data Centers (MDC), metal frame systems, and fully integrated enclosures. Our designs are scalable, efficient, and sustainable, tailored to meet the evolving needs of our clients in a dynamic industry.
About Compu Dynamics Modular
Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM) is at the forefront of innovative modular solutions, specializing in Modular Data Centers (MDC), metal frame systems, and fully integrated enclosures. Our designs are scalable, efficient, and sustainable, tailored to meet the evolving needs of our clients in a dynamic industry.
Summary/Objective:
The Chief Cost Estimator (CCE) is a senior leadership role responsible for defining, governing, and continuously improving the cost structure, pricing strategy, and estimating discipline for Compu Dynamics Modular's factory-fabricated modular data center solutions.
This role owns end-to-end cost modeling across design, fabrication, integration, logistics, and delivery — ensuring that CDM's modular products are priced accurately, competitively, and profitably. The CCE establishes standardized estimating methodologies, develops scalable cost models, and provides executive-level insight into margin performance, cost drivers, and risk exposure.
Leveraging deep experience across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and financial modeling, the Chief Cost Estimator partners closely with executive leadership, engineering, operations, procurement, and sales to support ROMs, firm bids, long-range planning, and strategic growth initiatives. This role is foundational to CDM's ability to scale modular manufacturing while meeting aggressive customer schedules and profitability targets.
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This role will oversee the cost estimating function and may manage estimators and analysts as the department grows.
Work Environment:
This position operates in an office and/or remote environment with regular interaction with manufacturing facilities, subcontractors, and suppliers. Occasional travel is required. Physical demands are consistent with office-based roles, with periodic manufacturing floor exposure requiring PPE.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use computers for extended periods. Employee must occasionally stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and lift or move office products and supplies up to 20 pounds. Occasional walking on manufacturing floor may require appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Position Type:
This is a full-time position.
Required Education and Experience:
Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM) provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Military Codes: 120A, 6042, & 5915
#PM23
Compu Dynamics Pay Range
$170,000—$230,000 USD
Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM) offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 4%, various voluntary benefits, Employer paid life insurance, 7 Holidays, paid Parental Leave, Volunteer Time Off, up to 4 weeks PTO after 60 days and you get your birthday off!
Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM) provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics.
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of our pre-employment drug screening, background/criminal check, and motor vehicle check.
About Compu Dynamics Modular
Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM) is at the forefront of innovative modular solutions, specializing in Modular Data Centers (MDC), metal frame systems, and fully integrated enclosures. Our designs are scalable, efficient, and sustainable, tailored to meet the evolving needs of our clients in a dynamic industry.
Summary/Objective:
The Chief Cost Estimator (CCE) is a senior leadership role responsible for defining, governing, and continuously improving the cost structure, pricing strategy, and estimating discipline for Compu Dynamics Modular's factory-fabricated modular data center solutions.
This role owns end-to-end cost modeling across design, fabrication, integration, logistics, and delivery — ensuring that CDM's modular products are priced accurately, competitively, and profitably. The CCE establishes standardized estimating methodologies, develops scalable cost models, and provides executive-level insight into margin performance, cost drivers, and risk exposure.
Leveraging deep experience across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and financial modeling, the Chief Cost Estimator partners closely with executive leadership, engineering, operations, procurement, and sales to support ROMs, firm bids, long-range planning, and strategic growth initiatives. This role is foundational to CDM's ability to scale modular manufacturing while meeting aggressive customer schedules and profitability targets.
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Cost Strategy, Modeling & Governance
- Lead the development and ownership of comprehensive cost models for standard and custom modular data center solutions.
- Define and maintain estimating standards, assumptions, templates, and governance processes across CDM.
- Establish and maintain detailed cost databases using historical data, benchmarking, and market intelligence.
- Calculate and continuously refine Cost of Goods Manufactured (COGM) and fully burdened cost structures.
- Identify and proactively manage key cost drivers, risks, and margin sensitivities across the product lifecycle.
- Bill of Materials (BOM) & Manufacturing Cost Analysis
- Oversee the creation, validation, and ongoing optimization of Bills of Materials (BOMs) in partnership with engineering.
- Ensure BOM accuracy, completeness, and alignment with manufacturing realities and supplier capabilities.
- Develop detailed, line-item cost breakdowns for:
- Structural steel and fabrication
- Electrical and mechanical integration
- Module assembly, coatings, testing, packaging, and logistics
- Analyze direct materials, direct labor, manufacturing overhead, and integration costs for internal and external manufacturing partners.
- Pricing, Quotation & Profitability Leadership
- Lead the preparation of ROM estimates, firm quotations, and delivery timelines for customer proposals.
- Develop and recommend pricing strategies that balance market competitiveness with margin and risk targets.
- Provide executive-level profitability analysis to support bid/no-bid decisions.
- Partner with Sales and Business Development on commercial strategy, scope clarity, and competitive positioning.
- Maintain revision control, documentation, and auditability of all estimates and proposals.
- Manufacturing Process Definition & Optimization
- Define and document manufacturing processes, labor allocation, equipment requirements, and tooling assumptions to support accurate bidding.
- Utilize simulation tools and scenario modeling to assess production capacity, throughput constraints, and scalability.
- Analyze internal and partner manufacturing operations to identify cost reduction and efficiency opportunities.
- Ensure estimating assumptions are validated against real-world production data and outcomes.
- Cross-Functional & Executive Collaboration
- Partner closely with Engineering to align design intent, manufacturability, and cost outcomes.
- Collaborate with Procurement and Supply Chain to evaluate vendors, negotiate pricing, manage lead times, and identify alternatives.
- Work with Operations and Manufacturing to reconcile estimates with actuals and continuously improve accuracy.
- Present cost analyses, pricing recommendations, and risk assessments to executive leadership with clarity and confidence.
- Support long-range financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for CDM manufacturing operations.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Build, mentor, and lead the cost estimating function as CDM scales.
- Establish roles, workflows, and performance expectations for estimating staff.
- Serve as the subject matter expert and escalation point for complex or high-risk estimates.
- Foster a disciplined, data-driven, and collaborative estimating culture.
- Executive-level analytical and financial modeling capability
- Deep understanding of manufacturing economics and cost structures
- Strong business judgment and risk assessment skills
- Ability to communicate complex cost concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-impact initiatives
- High level of accountability, ownership, and attention to detail
- Comfort operating in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and cost modeling tools
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems (NetSuite preferred)
- Working knowledge of CAD/PDM systems and technical drawings
- Familiarity with simulation and manufacturing optimization tools
- Strong understanding of overhead allocation and absorption methodologies
This role will oversee the cost estimating function and may manage estimators and analysts as the department grows.
Work Environment:
This position operates in an office and/or remote environment with regular interaction with manufacturing facilities, subcontractors, and suppliers. Occasional travel is required. Physical demands are consistent with office-based roles, with periodic manufacturing floor exposure requiring PPE.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use computers for extended periods. Employee must occasionally stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and lift or move office products and supplies up to 20 pounds. Occasional walking on manufacturing floor may require appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Position Type:
This is a full-time position.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Business, or related field
- 10 years of progressive experience in cost estimating, manufacturing engineering, or related disciplines
- Demonstrated expertise in BOM development, COGM analysis, and pricing strategy
- Proven experience supporting executive-level decision making
- Strong understanding of modular manufacturing, fabrication, or complex assemblies
- Experience in modular data centers, mission-critical infrastructure, or industrial manufacturing
- Exposure to electrical, mechanical, and cooling systems
- Industry certifications (Certified Cost Professional, PMP, or similar)
- Experience scaling estimating functions in high-growth environments
Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM) provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Military Codes: 120A, 6042, & 5915
#PM23
Compu Dynamics Pay Range
$170,000—$230,000 USD
Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM) offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 4%, various voluntary benefits, Employer paid life insurance, 7 Holidays, paid Parental Leave, Volunteer Time Off, up to 4 weeks PTO after 60 days and you get your birthday off!
Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM) provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics.
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of our pre-employment drug screening, background/criminal check, and motor vehicle check.
Salary : $170,000 - $230,000