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Estimation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a State Estimation Engineer, you will play a critical role on the GNC team, contributing to the development, optimization, and deployment of advanced sensor fusion and navigation algorithms for ...

As a State Estimation Engineer, you will play a critical role on the GNC team, contributing to the development, optimization, and deployment of advanced sensor fusion and navigation algorithms for ...

$77K - $95K/yr

Cross-team interface: supplying updated Pinocchio model parameters to the WBC and State Estimation Engineers in Core Robot Software; aligning on excitation trajectory designs with the Locomotion and ...

GNSS Navigation and Estimation Engineer

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$92K - $113K/yr

Design and implement a high-accuracy, real-time onboard orbit estimator for a VLEO spacecraft using ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related ...

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Estimation Engineer information

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How much do estimation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for estimation engineer in the United States is $55.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.14 and $74.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an estimation engineer?

Estimation Engineers are professionals responsible for calculating the costs, resources, and time required for engineering projects. They analyze project specifications, collaborate with other departments, and use specialized software to prepare detailed estimates. Their work helps companies make informed decisions when bidding on projects and planning budgets. Estimation Engineers play a vital role in ensuring that projects are financially viable and delivered within budget constraints.

How does an estimation engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project bid?

Estimation Engineers frequently work closely with departments such as procurement, engineering, and project management to gather accurate cost data, review technical specifications, and ensure all aspects of the bid are covered. This collaboration often involves regular meetings, document reviews, and clarifications to align on project requirements and constraints. Effective teamwork is essential, as Estimation Engineers rely on input from various specialists to produce precise and competitive estimates. Strong communication and coordination skills are key to navigating these interactions and delivering successful proposals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an estimation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Estimation Engineer, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in engineering or construction, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with estimation software like AutoCAD, CostX, or Microsoft Excel, and sometimes certifications like AACE or PMP, are commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and teamwork help you collaborate effectively with project managers and clients. These skills ensure accurate cost assessments, minimize project risks, and support successful project planning and execution.

What is the difference between Estimation Engineer vs Cost Engineer?

AspectEstimation EngineerCost Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; certifications like AACE or PMI often preferredBachelor's in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; certifications like AACE or PMI often preferred
Work EnvironmentPre-construction phase, project bidding, proposal developmentProject execution, cost control, budgeting, and financial analysis
Industry UsageConstruction, engineering, manufacturingConstruction, engineering, infrastructure projects

Estimation Engineers primarily focus on preparing cost estimates during project bidding and planning stages, while Cost Engineers monitor and control project costs during execution. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within the same industries, but their responsibilities differ in project lifecycle stages.

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What states have the most Estimation Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Estimation Engineer jobs include:

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For Estimation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Estimation Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,463 per year, or $56 per hour.

State Estimation Engineer (R4783)

Dallas, TX

Shield AI
Software Development • 11 - 50 employees

$150K - $350K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
As a State Estimation Engineer, you will play a critical role on the GNC team, contributing to the development, optimization, and deployment of advanced sensor fusion and navigation algorithms for autonomous UAV operations in dynamic and contested environments. You will help design real-time sensor processing pipelines, integrate multi-sensor data for robust state estimation, and collaborate closely with autonomy researchers, software engineers, and hardware teams to ensure high system performance and reliability.
 
Your work will support the transition of cutting-edge research into fielded capabilities, helping Shield AI deliver precision navigation solutions for mission-critical applications.
What you'll do:
  • Develop and implement real-time state estimation algorithms including inertial navigation, sensor fusion, and alternative navigation methods for GPS-denied or degraded environments.
  • Integrate data from IMUs, GNSS receivers, visual odometry, magnetometers, barometers, and radar into robust estimation frameworks.
  • Design sensor processing pipelines focused on accuracy, robustness, and system-level fault tolerance.
  • Collaborate with autonomy, software, and hardware teams to ensure end-to-end integration of navigation and PNT systems.
  • Conduct simulation, lab testing, and field trials to evaluate algorithm performance under real-world conditions.
  • Stay current on advancements in state estimation and navigation technologies and help adapt new innovations into deployable solutions.
Required qualifications:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree; or 2 years with a master's degree; or 1 years with a PhD; or equivalent practical experience.
  • Familiarity with algorithms.
  • Proficient in C++11 or newer in real-time environments.
  • Comfortable working in Linux, with experience using standard command-line tools and scripting.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with a collaborative mindset.
  • Demonstrated success working in fast-paced development cycles and delivering high-quality results.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience developing and deploying real-time navigation or sensor fusion algorithms using IMUs, GPS, or other sensors.
  • Strong understanding of filtering and estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filters, EKF, UKF, particle filters).
  • Experience implementing inertial navigation algorithms in degraded or GPS-denied conditions.
  • Exposure to visual odometry or computer vision-based navigation approaches.
  • Experience optimizing code for performance on compute-constrained platforms.
  • Familiarity with CUDA or hardware acceleration techniques (e.g., FPGAs).
  • Experience transitioning navigation solutions from research into production environments.
$150,000 - $350,000 a year
#LI-SM1
#LD

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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