Electrical Utility Cost Estimator

Blue Signal Search; Fairfax (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Signal Search is seeking an experienced Electrical Utility Cost Estimator to lead cost estimation for electrical substation projects and related utility construction. You will translate complex plans into accurate labor, material, and equipment costs, and help shape competitive bids.

In this role, you will collaborate with project teams, review engineering documents, gather vendor pricing, and ensure budgets align with project schedules and risk considerations.

Qualifications

• Three+ years of experience in cost estimation for specialized projects.
• Experience estimating electrical substation and utility construction.
• Ability to analyze plans, specs, and documents for labor, materials, and equipment costs.
• Experience gathering vendor pricing and bid proposals.
• Strong analytical and mathematical abilities.
• Collaborative, able to work with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating process for substations and utility construction.
• Analyze plans, specs, and docs to determine labor, materials, equipment costs.
• Develop vendor relationships to collect pricing and strengthen bids.
• Assess conditions and scheduling to set realistic budgets.
• Identify missing scope and potential obstacles before pricing.
• Partner with leadership to refine bid approaches and proposals.
• Balance multiple bids and deadlines to ensure timely submissions.

Skills

Cost estimation

Bid development

Vendor pricing

Project budgeting

Analytical skills

Cost accuracy

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Technical degree preferred

Tools

Spreadsheets

Cost estimation software

Project management tools

Job description

Our client, a growing organization in the electrical construction industry, is seeking an experienced Electrical Utility Cost Estimator to help deliver critical power infrastructure projects. This is an opportunity to play an influential role in bringing complex utility construction projects from concept to execution, supporting the infrastructure that communities and businesses depend on every day. The successful candidate will bring a solid background in complex infrastructure projects, proven cost analysis capabilities, and the ability to evaluate project requirements while supporting effective planning and execution strategies. This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of challenging bids, work alongside experienced construction professionals, and contribute directly to the success of a growing project portfolio.

This Role Offers:

• Play a meaningful role in advancing critical infrastructure developments through new construction, facility enhancements, and improvements to existing systems.
• Meaningful ownership of estimating activities, with the ability to influence project planning and competitive bid decisions.
• Collaboration with knowledgeable professionals across construction, project management, and operations.
• Exposure to diverse utility construction challenges that support continued technical and professional development.

Focus:

• Lead the estimating process for electrical substation and related utility construction opportunities, translating technical project requirements into practical, competitive pricing.
• Analyze engineering plans, specifications, and project documentation to determine labor needs, material quantities, equipment requirements, and overall construction costs.
• Develop relationships with vendors and trade partners to gather pricing information, assess proposals, and strengthen bid competitiveness.
• Assess construction conditions, scheduling considerations, and potential execution challenges to establish realistic project budgets and identify cost exposure.
• Recognize missing scope details, conflicting information, and potential construction obstacles before they affect pricing or project delivery.
• Partner with construction leadership and project teams to refine bid approaches, document pricing assumptions, and prepare proposals for internal review.
• Balance multiple bidding opportunities while maintaining dependable cost records, meeting submission deadlines, and supporting smooth project transitions.

Skill Set:

• At least three years of experience determining project costs, analyzing scope requirements, and preparing competitive proposals for specialized assignments.
• Solid knowledge of specialized project operations, resource requirements, technical components, and industry best practices within complex construction environments.
• Established background in reviewing project requirements, determining necessary resources, analyzing anticipated expenses, and developing well-structured, competitive project proposals.
• Strong working knowledge of digital project evaluation tools, spreadsheet-based analysis, and specialized software platforms used for construction cost planning and estimating.
• Demonstrated sound judgment in assessing complex assignments, identifying potential challenges, and effectively managing multiple priorities within demanding timelines.
• Strong analytical judgment, mathematical aptitude, organizational skills, and attention to cost accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal abilities and a collaborative approach to working with diverse teams, with relevant postsecondary education in a technical or project-focused field considered an advantage. Comparable hands-on technical expertise or a relevant professional background may be accepted in place of formal education.