Project Controls- Electrical Estimator

Project Controls Specialist (Electrical Estimator)

📍 Detroit, MI (One Energy Plaza)

🏢 Hybrid Schedule: Onsite Tuesday-Thursday (Must Be Local to Metro Detroit)

📅 12-Month Contract with Possible Extension

💲 $55-$65/HR W2

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Project Controls Specialist (Electrical Estimator) to support major electrical infrastructure and construction projects. This position works closely with project management teams to develop, maintain, monitor, and validate project estimates while ensuring projects are executed efficiently and accurately.

This is an individual contributor role focused on estimating, project controls, cost analysis, contractor bid evaluation, change order review, scheduling support, and project cost validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, monitor, and update project estimates throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM), Budgetary, Unit Pricing, and Definitive (Detailed) estimates.
• Review design documents and scope packages for completeness and estimating accuracy.
• Validate contractor and engineering estimates, including quantity verification and cost analysis.
• Review and challenge contractor bids for scope accuracy and optimal pricing.
• Evaluate change orders for scope and cost accuracy.
• Develop estimate details by Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to support cost-loaded project schedules.
• Perform cost analysis, benchmarking, risk analysis, value engineering, constructability reviews, and claims analysis.
• Apply estimating processes, standards, procedures, templates, and project controls methodologies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through lessons learned and after-action reviews.
• Work across multiple projects and stakeholders within a matrixed environment.
• Support project teams while adapting to evolving priorities and responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

One of the following is required:

• High School Diploma or GED with 10 years of Electrical Journeyman estimating experience, OR
• Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with 8 years of experience estimating electrical systems, OR
• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with 6 years of experience estimating electrical systems

Technical Requirements

• Advanced understanding of electrical systems and construction estimating.
• Experience reading electrical plans and drawings.
• Experience calculating labor and material costs.
• Experience supporting large construction projects.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience developing and validating project estimates.
• Understanding of project controls, budgeting, and cost management principles.

Preferred Experience

• Renewable energy projects such as Solar or Wind.
• Electrical utility construction projects.
• Substation construction.
• Overhead (OH) distribution work.
• Underground (UG) cable projects.
• Estimating engineering, design, project management, construction, commissioning, and related project costs.
• Experience with On-Screen Takeoff or similar estimating software.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work onsite as needed with expected attendance Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
• Must live within a commutable distance to Downtown Detroit.
• Ability to travel occasionally to project sites for contractor walkdowns and project support.
• Ability to work in industrial or power plant environments when required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional workgroups and project teams.
• Ability to communicate and present findings to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.