Electric Utility Bid Estimator

ISA Certified Arborist; Washington, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K

Job summary

XKIG is seeking a remote Electric Utility Bid Estimator who will travel to the Washington, NC office monthly and to job sites as needed. The role focuses on preparing accurate cost estimates for overhead/underground powerline projects, coordinating with PMs and executives, and ensuring bid accuracy and compliance.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in utility/electrical estimating, strong Excel skills, and the ability to read technical drawings and specifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years in estimating or project management for utility/electrical construction.
• Strong understanding of electrical transmission systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and bid estimation software.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review engineer drawings, specs, and bid documents for electric utility projects.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
• Collaborate with project managers and executives to validate cost assumptions.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotes.
• Prepare bid proposals with quantity take-offs and pricing breakdowns.
• Track historical cost data and maintain an internal cost database.
• Analyze jobs for profitability and feasibility.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits across service territory as needed.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
• Support post-bid reviews and hand-off to project teams.
• Manage multiple projects, track progress and meet deadlines.

Skills

Estimating

Cost Analysis

Bid Preparation

Excel

Reading drawings

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in CM/Engineering

Tools

Bid estimation software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Washington, NC | Washington, NC
Washington, NC, USA

Work Location: Remote, with the requirement of traveling to the Washington, NC office once per month and any additional travel to job sites or bid locations.

Job Purpose

The Electric Utility Bid Estimator is r esponsible for preparing accurate , competitive, and timely cost estimates for utility construction projects, including overhead / undergr ound powerline installation, maintenance, and upgrades .

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role has no direct reports.

Essential Functions

• Review and interpret engineer drawings, technical specifications, and bid documents related to electric utility infrastructure projects.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
• Collaborate with project managers and executive team to validate cost assumptions.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotes.
• Prepare bid proposals, including quantity take-offs, pricing breakdowns, and bid clarifications.
• Track historical cost data and maintain an internal cost database.
• Analyze jobs for profitability and feasibility.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits across company’s service territory as needed.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, utility standards, and company policies.
• Support post-bid reviews and hand- off to project execution teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, track progress and meet deadlines.
• Ability to identify and resolve issues that may arise during the bidding and estimation process.
• Attention to Detail — Ensures accurate quantities, pricing, scope, and bid documentation.
• Data Gathering and Analysis — Supports reliable estimates using drawings, specifications, labor rates, and historical costs.
• Technical Expertise and Usage — Enables proper interpretation of utility infrastructure requirements and construction methods.
• Financial Awareness — Balances competitive pricing with cost, risk, contingencies, and profitability.
• Planning and Organizing — Coordinates estimate components, vendor quotes, deadlines, and bid submissions.

Physical Demands

Travel Requirements:

Regular travel is required .

Required education and experience

• Minimum of 3+ years of estimating or project management experience in utility or electrical construction, with specific experience in electric utility infrastructure projects preferred.
• Strong understanding of electrical transmission systems .
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and bid estimation software.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Must have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred education and experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Prior field experience in electric utility infrastructure and/or telecommunication infrastructure construction.
• Familiarity with customer bidding platforms and regional utility standards (e.g., Electric Cooperatives, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, etc.).
• Knowledge of OSHA and other safety regulations related to electric utility infrastructure construction.

Additional eligibility requirements

No other eligibility requirements.

This is a safety sensitive position that requires employee to be able to pass a background check and drug screen as required for this job.

Must meet I-9 requirements. This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

XKIG provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

XKIG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws, including the ADA. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at 877-418-2999 or 252-403-0552.

Benefits Offered

• This is a full-time position that offers health insurance benefits for medical, vision, and dental, as well as the option for enrollment in a 401K.

Paid Time Off (PTO) Eligibility

• Eligibility and accrual timelines vary by position with some roles gaining PTO immediately and others becoming eligible after a set period of employment. Details are provided during the hiring process and may vary for Union hires.

AI Usage Disclaimer

As part of our commitment to efficiency and innovation, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the recruiting and onboarding processes. These tools assist with tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and communication. All decisions regarding hiring and employment are ultimately made by our human team. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact our HR department.

Travel Required

Yes . Travel is required for this role.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.