Cost Lead

Cost Lead LocationAustin, TX; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WAEmployment TypeFull timeLocation TypeOn-siteDepartmentDeliveryCompensation$186K – $220KTo provide greater transparency to candidates, we share base pay ranges for all US-based job postings. Our compensation package includes base salary, equity for all full time roles, benefits, and, for applicable roles, commissions plans.This range reflects a good-faith estimate based on the applicable pay scale, the range previously established for this role, the compensation of individuals currently in equivalent positions, and/or the budgeted amount for the position. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and other factors.We welcome compensation discussions if this range doesn't meet your requirements. Outstanding candidates may be eligible for adjusted terms, plus meaningful equity that ensures you benefit directly from the company's long-term performance.Total compensation may also include equity in the form of restricted stock units. About FluidstackWe exist to make humanity more free. For most of human history, you farmed or you starved. Technology gave people more time for the things they wanted to do, instead of things they had to do. Powerful AI will be the biggest lever for human choice we've ever built - but only if models are aligned with what humanity actually wants. There are groups building AI who don't share these goals. Whoever deploys frontier compute infrastructure fastest will decide whether AI expands human freedom or shrinks it. We're singularly focused on delivering 10 to 100s of GWs of compute faster than anyone else, rethinking every layer of the stack. We acquire power, design and build data centers, and operate them - with teams spanning hardware and software. Speed and scale are our key differentiators. Come be a part of building civilization-scale infrastructure for AI.We hire people who care deeply about this problem space. If that is you, please apply!About the RoleAs Cost Lead, you will own cost management across our data center portfolio — from early-stage budgeting and estimating through construction and final account. You'll set up process where it doesn't exist, build benchmarks from scratch, and serve as the Cost Lead of our delivery program. You'll work closely with project managers, A/E design teams, GCs, and other Leads to keep every project on-budget and every decision grounded in credible numbers.Own cost planning across all project phases — from concept and pre-design through construction documents and GMP negotiationDevelop detailed estimates for civil, structural, MEP, HV/LV power, cooling, fuel systems, and shell constructionMaintain real-time cost forecasts across all active projects; track actuals vs. budget and surface variances earlyOwn change order review: assess scope validity, commercial accuracy, and contract entitlement before recommending approvalPrepare executive-level cost reports across the portfolio — clear, scannable, exception-basedManage contingency tracking and cost risk registers across project phasesLead value engineering exercises with design and construction teams to optimise cost without compromising scope or scheduleSupport GC and subcontractor procurement: bid leveling, scope gap analysis, and contract negotiation inputAdvise on contract structure and commercial risk allocation across delivery modelsBuild the cost management function from the ground up: tools, templates, workflows, and reporting cadenceEstablish and maintain a unit cost benchmark database covering key DC cost categories — from $/MW to equipment and trade breakdownsContribute to precon planning on new sites, including order-of-magnitude estimates to support site selection and investment decisionsQualifications:Experience with cost management, quantity surveying, or construction estimatingMeaningful hands-on experience on data center or mission-critical construction — hyperscale, colo, or large-scale...