The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate cost estimates for electrical substation construction, expansion, and maintenance projects as well as Transmission & Distribution (T&D) line work. This role involves analyzing drawings, specifications, and proposals, preparing detailed quantity take-offs, evaluating labor, material, and equipment requirements, and coordinating with project managers, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure bids are competitive and complete.

Key Responsibilities

Substation Responsibilities

• Review engineering drawings, technical specifications, and bid documents for new substation builds, expansions, and retrofits.
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs for substation civil, structural, electrical, and mechanical components.
• Develop cost models for site preparation, foundations, grounding, steel structures, transformers, switchgear, bus work, and control buildings.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing specific to substation equipment and scope.
• Collaborate with engineering and project management teams to align scope, schedule, and cost for substation packages.

Transmission & Distribution Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for overhead transmission and distribution line projects (wood pole, steel pole, and lattice tower).
• Estimate costs for conductor stringing, sagging, splicing, dead-ends, and associated hardware.
• Evaluate underground distribution and transmission scopes, including duct banks, feeders, manholes, and vaults.
• Incorporate productivity factors, right-of-way considerations, environmental conditions, and equipment requirements for T&D work.

• Review and analyze subcontractor and vendor quotes for transmission structures, conductor, cable, insulators, and line hardware.

• Ensure compliance with utility standards, NESC, NEC, IEEE, and regional T&D construction practices.

General Estimating Responsibilities

• Develop complete and accurate project cost estimates including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor work.
• Incorporate productivity rates, union/non-union labor considerations, and regional cost adjustments into all estimates.
• Support risk assessment and value-engineering efforts to optimize project costs and schedules.
• Maintain a cost history database and provide benchmarking for future bids.
• Participate in client proposal development, clarifications, and presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of estimating experience in substations, with proven exposure to Transmission & Distribution projects (overhead and underground).
• Strong knowledge of substation systems (transformers, circuit breakers, grounding, protection & control) and T&D infrastructure (structures, conductor, cable, feeders).
• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., HeavyBid, InEight, Trimble, or similar), Microsoft Excel, and scheduling tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact with clients and stakeholders.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel to job sites for site walks, pre-bid meetings, and subcontractor coordination.
• Familiarity with utility standards, OSHA safety requirements, and regional T&D construction practices.

• Knowledge of substation civil works (grading, pads, duct banks) and structural steel erection is a plus