Estimating - Substation Estimator

Electrical Substation Estimator

Job Description

The Electrical Substation Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for electrical substation projects. This role requires deep technical knowledge of substation construction across multiple trades, strong analytical skills to perform detailed quantity take-offs, and the ability to structure estimates to meet both company and client requirements. The Estimator will collaborate with project management, engineering, and business development teams to support bid preparation, pre-construction planning, and successful project execution.

Essential Responsibilities

· Develop comprehensive cost estimates for electrical substation projects, ensuring accuracy and competitiveness.

· Perform detailed quantity take-offs from design drawings, specifications, and construction documents.

· Conduct field walk-downs and site visits to identify conditions that may impact costs.

· Solicit, analyze, and negotiate subcontractor and vendor bids to align with project budgets.

· Prepare proposal packages, including detailed scope breakdowns, execution plans, and formal proposal letters.

· Build and maintain labor and equipment rate databases for accurate benchmarking and submissions.

· Attend and represent the company at pre-bid meetings, client walkthroughs, and proposal reviews.

· Organize estimates in formats required by company standards, client expectations, or contractual guidelines.

· Develop and analyze schedules, resource loading plans, and preliminary manpower/equipment requirements.

· Conduct risk assessments and prepare contingency allocations based on project complexity.

· Track and reconcile variances between estimated and actual project costs to drive continuous improvement.

· Maintain and update historical cost data, vendor/supplier databases, and material pricing indexes.

· Support project setup and kickoff by transitioning estimates into execution-ready budgets and schedules.

· Collaborate with business development and project management teams to support pursuit strategies and client engagement.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, or related field equivalent experience considered.

· Minimum 4 years of direct experience in electrical substation estimating.

· Strong knowledge of design drawings, engineering standards, and substation construction methods.

· Proven ability to interpret and calculate quantities, labor hours, durations, and resource needs from design documents.

· Proficiency in cost estimating software, scheduling tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel required).

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client-facing and internal presentations.

· Willingness to travel to project sites and client meetings as required.

· Highly detail-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of working independently or as part of a team.

· Must be able to be a TEAM player working in TEAM atmosphere.