Lead Cost Estimator (100%)

• Cost Estimation: You deliver high-quality cost estimates for DAC plant projects across all project phases (FEL-0/1/2/3) and ensure on-time delivery for board meetings, gate reviews, and internal deadlines.

• Tools & Models: You develop, own, and continuously improve cost estimation models, databases, and tools to ensure accuracy, comparability, and standardization across projects.

• Subject Matter Expertise: You act as the company’s trusted expert for CAPEX cost estimates, defending estimates in front of the C-suite and providing guidance to colleagues across the organization.

• Value Engineering: You lead value-engineering activities to drive cost-down initiatives, supporting both technical and commercial decisions.

• Collaboration: You create cost estimates in cooperation with internal stakeholders, EPCs, and contractors in a transparent and cooperative manner.

• Knowledge Management: You establish and maintain project cost databases, document project cost histories, and support project close-out reporting.

• Innovation: You design and implement fit-for-purpose estimating processes and tools tailored to direct air capture technology, covering both DAC machinery and balance of plant equipment.

• Education & Background: You hold a BSc in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, with at least 10 years of experience in cost estimating for major capital projects.

• Industry Expertise: You have gained experience in a scale-up or first-of-its-kind environment, with exposure to complex, innovative CAPEX projects.

• Technical Skills: You are proficient with industry-recognized tools such as Aspen Capital Cost Estimator, Cleopatra, RSMeans, or similar — advanced proficiency is a strong plus.

• Mindset: You are self-motivated, structured, and organized, and you thrive in an environment where you can both work independently and contribute to shared success.

• Integrity & Values: You showcase our values consistently and lead by example, setting a positive standard through your actions, integrity, and commitment to collaboration.

• Communication: You communicate fluently in English, with strong presentation skills that allow you to engage confidently with colleagues and leaders at all levels.

• Flexibility: You are willing to travel up to 20% of the time to visit suppliers, EPCs, and project sites.

Our promise: At Climeworks, you are accepted for who you are, and we are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply – regardless of background, identity, or experience. Studies show that women and individuals from minority backgrounds often only apply for jobs when they meet 100% of the listed criteria. If this sounds like you, don’t hold back. If you think you’d make a great fit for this role, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t check every single box. Let’s tackle one of humankind’s greatest challenges together. 

What we offer: 

• Time Off: Enjoy 25 paid vacation days every year, plus public holidays. 

• Flexibility: Work how it suits you best. We offer a hybrid work setup and up to 4 weeks of remote work annually within any EU country. 

• Ownership: Fair base pay paired with an equity package – because your contributions matter. 

• Family Support: Inclusive parental leave. 

• Continuous Learning: Dedicated budget to invest in your professional growth. 

• Referral Rewards: Help us grow our team and earn bonuses for your successful referrals. 

Salary: At Climeworks, salary ranges are assigned to a job based on the level of seniority and the location specific market median of similar jobs according to external benchmark surveys. Individual compensation depends on your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the team. 

Formalities:  

• This position is based in Zurich, and we ask that you work onsite at least three days per week. 

• We do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies.