Electrical Cost Manager I

Consertus-US; Oakbrook Terrace (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid life and disability insurance

401(k) with matching

10 paid holidays

PTO starting at 15 days, growing to 25

Job summary

Consertus-US is looking for an Electrical Cost Estimator in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. This role involves developing and delivering detailed cost estimates for electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, and site utilities. The ideal candidate will have 5-8 years of experience in electrical estimating and will work closely with project teams to ensure accuracy across multiple projects.

Beneficial qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and familiarity with estimating tools. The role offers a competitive salary range of $130,000-$160,000 annually along with various benefits including life insurance, 401(k) matching, and generous PTO.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years experience in electrical estimating or related cost roles.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and architectural drawings.
• Experience with different project delivery methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed electrical cost estimates across all design phases.
• Perform quantity take-offs for various electrical systems.
• Coordinate with internal disciplines to ensure estimate completeness.

Skills

Electrical systems knowledge

Estimating principles

Construction practices

Microsoft Excel

Quantity take-offs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Sage Timberline

Job description

About Us: Consertus is a global capital program management and advisory firm that combines deep human expertise with advanced digital tools to deliver smarter, faster, and more sustainable outcomes. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, and supported by a team of more than 1,000 professionals worldwide, we help clients plan, execute, and optimize large-scale capital programs. Our integrated services span digital, advisory, and delivery, empowering organizations to navigate complexity, manage risk, and achieve strategic goals in sectors including aviation, transportation, transit, water, healthcare, energy, education, government, commercial, life sciences, and technology. At Consertus, we celebrate individual strengths, foster strong relationships, and promote flexibility in how and where we work. Join us to grow your career, develop your skills, and make a lasting impact as we transform how the world is built. Discover how Consertus is driving transformative change for our clients, our people, and the communities we serve at www.consertus.com

About this Role

The Electrical Cost Estimator is responsible for the development and delivery of conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, low-voltage systems, and site utilities. This role independently performs quantity take-offs, develops pricing, and applies market intelligence, historical benchmarking data, and company standards to produce accurate and defensible cost deliverables. The Electrical Cost Estimator works collaboratively with project teams, design consultants, and clients to evaluate system scope, construction methodologies, and cost drivers. This position requires a strong understanding of electrical systems, estimating principles, and construction practices, with the ability to contribute to cost planning, risk identification, and value engineering efforts across multiple projects. Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with periodic travel for project site visits, client meetings, and field validation. This position reports to senior cost management leadership and operates with a high degree of autonomy while supporting overall project delivery objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop electrical cost estimates across all design phases: Conceptual / Parametric Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents.
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and system-level quantification for: Power distribution systems (medium and low voltage), Lighting systems and controls, Low-voltage systems (telecommunications, data, security, fire alarm), Site and underground electrical utilities.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and design narratives to define complete electrical scope and identify gaps or coordination issues.
• Develop unit pricing utilizing: Historical cost data, Industry databases (e.g., RS Means, MCASES MII), Subcontractor/vendor input, Market intelligence and regional labor conditions.
• Coordinate with internal disciplines (architectural, structural, civil, mechanical) to ensure alignment and completeness of estimate inputs.
• Prepare and maintain detailed estimate backup, assumptions, clarifications, and Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation.
• Participate in estimate reviews, reconciliation meetings, and design coordination discussions with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Identify cost drivers, escalation impacts, procurement risks (e.g., switchgear, transformers, generators), and constructability considerations affecting electrical systems.
• Support value engineering and cost optimization efforts through system comparisons, alternate analysis, and lifecycle considerations.
• Assist in evaluating subcontractor proposals, bid comparisons, and change order pricing related to electrical scope.
• Maintain organized project documentation and ensure traceability of quantities, pricing, and assumptions.
• Support QA/QC processes by validating quantities, pricing logic, and estimate completeness prior to submission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Approximately 5–8 years of experience in electrical estimating or related construction cost roles.
• Experience supporting a variety of project types and delivery methods (Design-Bid-Build, CMAR, Design-Build).
• Demonstrated ability to develop estimates with increasing independence and technical responsibility.
• Scheduling experience preferred with knowledge of Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project.
• Solid understanding of electrical systems including: Power distribution (utility service, switchgear, panels, feeders), Lighting systems and controls, Fire alarm and life safety systems, Low-voltage/data/communications systems, Emergency power systems (generators, UPS), Underground and site electrical utilities.
• Ability to read and interpret Electrical drawings and specifications; Architectural, structural, mechanical, and civil documents for coordination.
• Proficiency in performing detailed quantity take-offs and applying appropriate labor and productivity factors.
• Working knowledge of Estimating platforms (e.g., Sage Timberline, MCASES MII, OST, or similar tools).
• Microsoft Excel (intermediate to advanced).
• Cost databases and benchmarking systems.
• Understanding of labor impacts, including productivity, escalation, and regional cost factors.
• Compensation Range: $130,000-$160,000 annually.

What’s In It For You

• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Optional benefits like pet insurance, legal, and supplemental health plans.
• 401(k) with day‑one eligibility. You’ll get a 100% match on the first 3% of your eligible compensation and 50% match on contributions between 3% and 5% of your pay.
• Generous time off: 10 paid holidays and PTO starting at 15 days, growing up to 25.
• Access to Consertus Academy for continuous learning and development.
• Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Consertus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Consertus drives positive outcomes for capital programs around the world through transformative advisory and delivery solutions and digital innovations. By leveraging leading‑edge technology and embracing a collaborative, client‑first spirit, Consertus works smarter to deliver results that offer higher performance, more longevity, and greater value for clients. Consertus is made up of 800+ full‑time employees located across the United States, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, and India. An international client base, in sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, utilities, government, and healthcare, partners with Consertus for tailored solutions that help them achieve their goals.