Preconstruction Estimator

Rising Edge Technologies Ltd.; Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in high-voltage electrical projects seeks a skilled Preconstruction Estimator to develop comprehensive proposals. The role involves evaluating RFPs, preparing competitive cost estimates, and mentoring junior estimators, with a focus on delivering quality and accuracy in pre-award strategies. Ideal candidates will possess significant experience in electrical estimating and a strong educational background in related fields.

Benefits

Extended Healthcare Plan

Paid Time Off Benefits

Training & Development

Employee Assistance Program

Group RRSP

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical estimating.
• Strong knowledge of construction productivity and market rates.
• Advanced proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed EPC cost estimates for electrical projects.
• Evaluate RFP packages and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Lead internal estimate reviews and final bid submission.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Collaboration

Analytical Skills

Detail-Oriented

Education

Post-secondary education in Electrical Engineering

Certification as a Journeyman Electrician or Power Systems Electrician

Professional designations (P.Eng., CET, CEP)

Tools

Estimating Software (e.g., Hard Dollar)

Microsoft Project

Primavera

Microsoft Office Suite

Bluebeam

SharePoint

Job description

Role

Reporting to the Preconstruction Manager, the Preconstruction Estimator is an experienced estimating professional responsible for developing comprehensive EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) proposals for high-voltage electrical projects. This role independently evaluates complex RFP packages, identifies cost and schedule risks, and prepares competitive estimates with minimal oversight. The Preconstruction Estimator collaborates closely with internal stakeholders across engineering, procurement, construction, and project controls to ensure alignment on scope, pricing strategy, and execution planning. While not a supervisory position, this role contributes mentorship and technical guidance to junior estimators and plays a key role in proposal quality, cost accuracy, and pre-award strategy

Responsibilities

• Independently evaluate RFP packages to determine project scope, commercial requirements, risk, and constructability.
• Prepare detailed, multi-discipline EPC cost estimates for renewable, distribution, substation, generation, and industrial electrical projects.
• Collaborate with preconstruction team members and supporting cross-functional stakeholders to develop scope, pricing, execution plans, and schedules.
• Lead the development of full proposal packages, including:

• Execution plans
• Cost breakdowns and assumptions
• Project schedules using MS Project or Primavera
• Risk registers and mitigation strategies
• Optional pricing and alternate methodologies
• Environmental, Safety, Quality, and ITP Plans
• Executive summaries

• Coordinate and conduct site visits to inform constructability reviews and field-level data gathering.
• Review technical documents (e.g., drawings, DBMs, specs) and identify scope gaps or conflicts.
• Engage and communicate with subcontractors, vendors, and consultants to secure and validate pricing inputs.

• Maintain a record of all estimate basis throughout the development of a proposal.
• Lead internal estimate reviews and provide detailed justifications and breakdowns to internal stakeholders.
• Conduct final bid submission reviews with the appropriate internal signing authorities.

• Participate in strategy development for complex proposals, including alternative methods, value engineering options, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Provide peer reviews and support quality control of estimates prepared by others.
• Assist in the continuous improvement of estimating tools, templates, and standard practices.
• Informally mentor junior estimating staff through task collaboration and technical feedback.

• Conduct formal estimate hand-off meetings with the Project Management team after contract award.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of change orders and scope adjustments.
• Participate in project close-out and post-mortem reviews to support continuous improvement.

• Attend regular estimating team meetings to share updates, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Submit accurate and timely administrative documentation, including daily timesheets.
• Contribute to the maintenance of historical cost data and continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating team.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred. Certification as a Journeyman Electrician or Power Systems Electrician is an asset. Professional designations such as P.Eng., CET, or CEP are highly regarded.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical estimating, ideally in the electric utility or EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) sectors.
• Must have proven experience with renewables, distribution, and substation projects, including exposure to complex, multi-stakeholder proposals.
• Advanced proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, design packages, and construction specifications.
• Strong knowledge of construction productivity, equipment capabilities, labor planning, and market rates.
• Advanced experience with estimating software (e.g., Hard Dollar or equivalent).
• Skilled in developing construction schedules using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, digital takeoff tools (Bluebeam), and document control platforms (e.g., SharePoint).
• Able to independently perform full takeoffs, pricing validations, and proposal compilation.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a high level of professional judgment.
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Comfortable engaging directly with subcontractors, vendors, and clients during the proposal phase.
• Able to clearly articulate estimate assumptions, risk considerations, and commercial impacts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Self-driven, proactive, and capable of working independently while also functioning as part of a larger team.

Benefits

• Extended Healthcare Plan (Medical, Disability, Dental & Vision)
• Paid Time Off Benefits
• Training & Development
• Employee Assistance Program - Counseling
• RPP - Group RRSP