EHV Estimator - Substations

NES Group Ltd; Welwyn; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering staffing provider is looking for an experienced EHV Estimator to join their pre-construction team in the UK. This role involves developing cost estimates for complex HV substation projects, interpreting technical drawings, and evaluating supplier quotes. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in electrical estimating, strong skills in cost modeling, and a relevant engineering qualification. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work with a dynamic client base within a growing business.

Benefits

Market-leading benefits packages

Visa and work permit support

Qualifications

• 5+ years in electrical estimating for substation or transmission projects.
• Strong experience building estimates from first principles.
• Knowledge of HV construction methods and site constraints.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for HV substation projects.
• Develop cost models for materials, plant, and labor.
• Liaise with engineering to understand buildability.

Skills

Electrical estimating

Cost modelling

Technical drawing interpretation

Excel-based estimating models

Education

HNC / Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

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.

Reporting to the Pre‑Construction Commercial Director, you'll work alongside technical, procurement, engineering and commercial colleagues to price and plan major Extra High Voltage (EHV) substation projects across the UK.

SCOPE OF ROLE

As EHV Electrical Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing robust, accurate, first‑principles cost estimates for HV substation projects. You will 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 them 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.