Cost Estimator

About Fervo Energy
Fervo Energy (NASDAQ: FRVO) is a modern power company developing next-generation geothermal resources to meet the growing demand for affordable, reliable, 24/7 carbon-free energy. Our mission is to transform geothermal into America’s most dependable and affordable source of clean, around-the-clock power. By combining innovations in horizontal drilling, fiber-optic sensing, and advanced reservoir engineering, Fervo has developed a repeatable approach to building utility-scale enhanced geothermal systems. Our flagship Cape Station development in Utah is planned to deliver 500 MW of firm, carbon-free power, and we are advancing a development pipeline of more than 50 GW. Join us and work alongside world-class engineers, geoscientists, operators, project builders, and business leaders working to make geothermal a cornerstone of a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future.
Position Description
The Cost Estimator will support the development and construction of Fervo’s geothermal power projects. This role will build and maintain cost estimates across the power plant lifecycle, from early-stage feasibility through detailed engineering, procurement, and construction, and will partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Project Controls to keep estimates grounded in current market and field data.
This is a strong fit for someone who enjoys translating scopes of work and engineering deliverables into rigorous, defensible numbers that inform investment decisions. The ideal candidate brings solid estimating fundamentals, strong Excel modeling skills, and the ability to communicate assumptions and confidence levels clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders in a fast-moving, high-growth environment.
Responsibilities
Cost Estimation: Develop and maintain cost estimates (conceptual, budgetary, and detailed/AACE Class 1-5) for geothermal well pads, power facilities, and supporting infrastructure.
Cost Models and Databases: Build cost models and estimate databases covering surface facilities, electrical interconnection, and balance-of-plant scope. Maintain historical cost databases, unit rates, and escalation factors, and continuously improve estimating tools, templates, and methodology.
Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with Engineering and Project Controls to align estimates with project schedules, scope definitions, and execution plans.
Supply Chain and Market Pricing: Work with Supply Chain and Sourcing to incorporate current vendor quotes, market pricing, and commercial terms into estimates.
Variance Analysis and Lessons Learned: Track actual costs against estimates, analyze variances, and feed lessons learned back into future estimating assumptions and benchmarks.
Capital Planning Support: Support capital planning, budgeting, and investment-committee materials with clear, well-documented cost bases and ranges of accuracy.
Risk and Contingency Analysis: Prepare risk and contingency analyses (e.g., ranged estimates, sensitivity analysis) to support project decision-making.
Stakeholder Communication: Communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, and confidence levels clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including leadership.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience
3+ years of cost estimating experience in geothermal, power generation, industrial construction, or a related capital-intensive industry
Working knowledge of estimating methodologies and classifications (e.g., AACE International recommended practices)
Strong Excel modeling skills; experience with cost estimating or project controls software (e.g., cost databases, benchmarking tools) is a plus
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, scopes of work, and vendor quotes
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present estimates and assumptions clearly to cross-functional teams
Comfort operating in a fast-moving, high-growth environment with evolving scopes and shifting priorities
Preferred
Experience with power facilities, electrical interconnection, or renewable energy project costs
Familiarity with project controls disciplines (scheduling, cost/schedule integration, earned value)
AACE certification (e.g., CCP, CEP) or progress toward one
Location
Fervo Energy has offices in Houston, TX, Golden, CO, Reno, NV, Oakland, CA, and Salt Lake City, UT. This position will be eligible for some hybrid work flexibility, but regular in-office presence at any of the above locations will be required.
Compensation
Fervo provides a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability, flexible paid time off, and paid parental leave. Additionally, Fervo offers an incentive stock options program, a bonus incentive program, and a 401(k) plan with an employer match.
Fervo Energy is providing the compensation range and general description of other compensation and benefits that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and geographic location. Expected Salary: $93,000 – $150,000 based on location and experience.
Fervo Energy reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, or federal law.
Benefits & Perks
Fervo offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and life outside of work. Benefits for eligible employees include:
Medical, dental, and vision plan options
Employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage
A 401(k) plan with a dollar-for-dollar company match
Flexible paid time off and paid parental leave
Family-building, fertility, hormonal health, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting support through Carrot