EHV Estimator - Substations

NES Fircroft; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering staffing provider in the United Kingdom is looking for an EHV Estimator to join their pre-construction team. This role involves preparing accurate cost estimates for high voltage substation projects, developing detailed cost models, and liaising with engineering teams. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in electrical estimating, particularly for high voltage transmission projects, and will hold an HNC or degree in Electrical Engineering. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in electrical estimating for high voltage projects.
• Strong knowledge of HV construction methods and site constraints.
• Ability to interpret electrical and civil drawings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for HV substation projects.
• Develop detailed cost models for primary plant and secondary systems.
• Liaise with engineering to assess buildability of estimates.

Skills

Electrical estimating

Cost modeling

Interpret technical drawings

Risk assessment

Communication

Education

HNC / Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Excel

MS Office

Job description

NESFircroft are proud to be representing a large-scale infrastructure, energy and communications client based in the UK. Actively searching for a EHV Estimator to join their pre‑construction team in 2026 due to expansion and successful project wins. This offers the perfect opportunity for someone to step into a growing business with a dynamic client base.

SCOPE OF ROLE

As EHV Electrical Estimator, you’ll be responsible for preparing robust, accurate, first principles cost estimates for HV substation projects. You’ll interpret technical drawings and employer specs to develop detailed cost models for primary plant, secondary systems, and associated civil and commissioning works. Your estimates will help drive competitive tenders, frameworks and project approvals.

HOW YOU’LL SUCCEED

Estimating & Cost Development

• Develop first‑principles cost estimates for EHV substation components: transformers, switchgear (AIS/GIS), protection systems, busbars, etc.
• Build accurate cost models for materials, plant, labour, prelims, and indirects.
• Factor access, site conditions, outages, and productivity rates into your methodology.
• Produce traceable and auditable pricing schedules aligned to project scope.

Technical & Commercial Input

• Interpret layout drawings, SLDs, specs, and ERs.
• Liaise with engineering and construction to understand buildability and assumptions.
• Evaluate supplier/subcontractor quotes and align with technical requirements.
• Identify exclusions, value‑engineering options, and risk assumptions.

Risk, Allowances & Governance

• Maintain clear estimate back‑up, risk registers, and audit trails.
• Apply suitable contingencies, escalations, and allowances based on uncertainty.
• Support internal reviews and governance processes.

Essential Experience

• 5+ years in electrical estimating, preferably for 132kV–400kV substation or transmission projects.
• Strong experience building estimates from first principles (not historical averages).
• Knowledge of HV construction methods, plant installation, testing, commissioning, and site constraints.
• Able to interpret civil/electrical drawings and technical specs.

Qualifications

• HNC / Degree in Electrical Engineering, Estimating, or equivalent.
• Proficient in Excel‑based estimating models and MS Office tools.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market‑leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.