What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Estimator- Electrical position at McPhee Electric?
About Us
McPhee Electric-a Phalcon Company, is seeking a Utility / Electrical Estimator with experience in transmission, substation, and distribution construction. This role is ideal for an estimator with strong competitive bidding experience in heavy electrical utility work.
We build work the right way, by aligning Quality, Safety, and Productivity (QSP) from the very beginning of a project. For us, estimating is not just about winning bids. It is about winning the right work, pricing it with integrity, and setting projects up to be executed safely, efficiently, and profitably.
The Role
We are seeking a Electrical Construction Estimator to lead contractor-side, competitive estimating for complex utility infrastructure projects. This role is for an estimator who understands that the real measure of success is not the award, it is how the project performs in the field.
You will own the estimating process from preconstruction through bid submission, with a strong focus on accurate scope, realistic productivity, risk awareness, and executable pricing. This is not an owner or utility-authority estimating role.
What You’ll Do
- Lead competitive estimating efforts for utility transmission, substation, and distribution projects
- Develop fully executable estimates that support safe operations, quality installation, and profitable project delivery
- Apply QSP principles to estimating decisions, balancing competitiveness with constructability and risk
- Review RFPs, drawings, and specifications to identify scope gaps, constructability issues, and cost drivers
- Establish bid strategies that prioritize long-term success over short-term wins
- Coordinate vendor and subcontractor pricing with a focus on reliability, scope clarity, and buyout success
- Partner with Operations and Project Management to ensure smooth transition from estimate to execution
- Participate in post-bid and post-project reviews to continuously improve estimating accuracy and outcomes
- Mentor junior estimators and reinforce consistent estimating standards and best practices
What You’ll Bring
- 3 years of contractor-side, electrical estimating experience
- Strong understanding of productivity, labor planning, and execution risk in utility work
- Demonstrated commitment to bid integrity—pricing work to win and to perform
- Advanced proficiency in Accubid (preferred) and Excel-based estimating tools
- Ability to think beyond the bid and understand downstream impacts on safety, schedule, and margin
- Experience competitively bidding transmission, substation, and/or distribution projects is preffere
- Strong communication skills and the confidence to challenge assumptions when necessary
Work Location: In‑person, South Plainfield, NJ
Travel: Minimal (site visits and vendor/partner coordination as needed)
Salary: $85k- $120k(depending on experience and project portfolio)
Total Compensation Includes: 401(k) match, full medical, HSA, PTO, EAP, etc.
Career Growth at Phalcon
At Phalcon, estimators are leaders. Senior Utility Estimators have potential paths into Lead Estimator, Estimating Manager, Director of Estimating, and Preconstruction Leadership roles. We value people who want ownership, accountability, and long-term growth, not just the next bid.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $135,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Have you personally led estimates for utility, transmission, substation, or industrial electrical projects valued at $10M ?
- Have you estimated competitively bid electrical work as a contractor or subcontractor? (Yes/No)
- Have you owned bids where winning vs losing directly impacted backlog? (Yes/No)
- Do you have 3 years of estimating experience specifically with an electrical contractor or subcontractor? (yes/no)
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $85,000 - $120,000