Senior Substation and Transmission Estimator

Accountabilities

Develop and review cost estimates for substation, transmission line, and distribution projects, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project requirements.
Produce conceptual transmission and distribution line routes using Google Earth KMZ files, including preliminary pole placements and route considerations.
Prepare preliminary project schedules that account for equipment lead times, crew availability, construction durations, siting requirements, and other project dependencies.
Develop detailed scopes of work for conceptual projects and initiatives requiring preliminary or pre-funding approval.
Collaborate with internal substation layout teams to support preliminary substation designs and establish project scope and cost assumptions.
Prepare, review, and validate estimates using relevant estimating tools, including Sage Estimating and Navigator, for utility power equipment and infrastructure ranging from 25kV to 765kV.
Review and support supplemental estimates for related project requirements, including access roads, forestry, SCADA and IT networks, fiber infrastructure, testing, commissioning, and other supporting services.
Coordinate with estimating colleagues, planning and protection engineering teams, project sponsors, regional representatives, and supplemental estimating specialists to ensure consistent project assumptions and deliverables.
Participate in regional stakeholder meetings to review the status of outstanding estimates, address technical questions, and coordinate next steps.
Review estimate requests in OPPM and approve, reject, or request clarification based on project scope, completeness, and established procedures.
Develop and maintain accurate project timelines for substations, transmission lines, and associated support activities.
Provide consulting support on selected projects, helping clients and internal stakeholders evaluate project scope, costs, schedules, and potential risks.
Support the project management team by providing technical estimating expertise, reliable cost information, and actionable recommendations.
Mentor junior estimators, share technical knowledge, and contribute to consistent estimating practices and continuous team improvement.
Manage a high volume of concurrent estimating assignments while maintaining quality, meeting deadlines, and communicating effectively with internal and external clients.
Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is required; a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred.
At least eight years of relevant experience in transmission line design, substation design, or utility estimating, with a strong focus on substation and transmission projects.
A solid understanding of engineering design packages, technical documentation, and construction drawings.
The ability to interpret engineering drawings and translate technical requirements into accurate project scopes, cost estimates, and schedules.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, for cost analysis, data management, and estimate development.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines in a high-volume work environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to coordinate with technical teams, project managers, clients, and other stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and the capacity to assess project data, identify discrepancies, and validate estimating assumptions.
Familiarity with electrical utility infrastructure, including substations, transmission and distribution lines, and associated power equipment.
Preferred technical skills: Experience with Sage Estimating, Navigator, OPPM, Primavera P6, Google Earth, and PLS-CADD or similar industry tools.
Preferred industry experience: Background in substation or transmission line design, construction, testing, or commissioning, ideally combined with direct estimating responsibilities.
Preferred analytical capabilities: Experience gathering, extracting, and analyzing project data to improve estimating accuracy and support informed decision-making.
The ability to work independently in a remote environment while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
A willingness to provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members and contribute to future leadership initiatives.
Benefits
Overtime compensation: Straight-time pay for billable hours worked beyond 40 hours in a workweek, according to the position's compensation policy.
Remote work flexibility: The ability to work remotely from anywhere in the mainland United States, with working hours aligned to the Eastern Time zone.
Limited travel requirements: Approximately 3% travel, typically involving two to three trips per year.
Work-life balance: Flexible scheduling and an organizational commitment to balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being.
Career advancement: Opportunities to pursue future leadership roles and expand responsibilities within the estimating team.
Dedicated professional support: Access to a Coach, Buddy, and Mentor to help employees navigate their roles, develop skills, and succeed professionally.
Training and development: Access to internal training resources and client-specific learning opportunities to strengthen technical expertise and industry knowledge.
Meaningful project impact: The opportunity to contribute to major electrical utility infrastructure projects and support the development and reliability of the power grid.
Collaborative work environment: Close collaboration with engineering, construction, planning, and project management professionals across a range of complex infrastructure initiatives.
Equal employment opportunity: A commitment to fair employment practices and an inclusive professional environment.