Utility Office Estimator

About Us

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta’s focus on the utility industry and HBK’s focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.

About this Role

An Estimator at HBK Engineering is a critical role that bridges the gap between engineering design and project execution. This position involves developing comprehensive cost projections for utility infrastructure projects, ensuring that our local electric and gas utility partners in Helena, Montana have accurate financial and construction resource data for new customer gas and electric connections and reroutes for existing customers. You will be responsible for the design, estimation, and some construction coordination of gas and electric distribution system connections for new and existing utility customers. Location: Helena, MT

What You'll Do

• Develop detailed cost estimates and take-offs in compliance with relevant standards, codes, and customer budgetary requirements for subsurface utility projects (natural gas and electricity).
• Analyze engineering drawings, site surveys, and standards to determine labor, material, and equipment requirements.
• Own the estimating phase of the project, collaborating with engineering and estimating teams from project initiation through final cost reconciliation.
• Prepare construction drawings and packages using a variety of software tools, including specialized estimating software, Excel-based cost models, and client-specific GIS platforms.
• Evaluate supplementary data sources, including field data and measurements, utility GIS information, field sketches to identify potential cost drivers for estimating.
• Independently manage deadlines and estimating schedules.
• Coordinate with field estimating staff to acquire necessary design information.
• Coordinate with vendors to obtain competitive pricing for materials and work for sub-contracting services.
• Work with permitting agencies to obtain proper project permitting.
• Occasional field work may be available.

What You'll Bring

• An ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams to ensure financial accuracy.
• Skills with the Office365 suite (specifically Excel).
• Basic working knowledge of 2D CADD software (AutoCAD or similar) or GIS software.
• Ability to learn new software packages.
• Understanding of remote communication software for cross-office collaboration.
• Ability to quickly assess the financial scope of in-process projects and hit the ground running.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for presenting cost justifications to customers and interoffice communication.
• The persistence and attention to detail required to see complex projects through to completion.
• Adaptability to changing project scopes.
• Excellent organization and customer service skills

Education and Experience:

• A construction related background is preferred.
• Familiarity with underground electric and natural gas systems or piping systems is preferred.
• Any candidates with relative utility or construction experience will be strongly considered, but relative experience is not required. HBK will provide training for the position.

What You'll Get

• Opportunity to work independently on complex engineering challenges
• Collaborative work environment with interdisciplinary teams
• Travel opportunities for field work and client engagement
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Career advancement opportunities with increased responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.