Estimating Manager

Sterling Engineering, Inc.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

PTO

Job summary

Sterling Engineering, Inc. seeks an Estimating Manager for electric power projects in Wisconsin. The role leads estimating for transmission lines and substations, develops bid schedules, and coordinates procurement and pricing.

You will mentor a team of estimators and maintain databases to ensure competitive bids. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in construction estimating, strong analytics, and proficiency with CAD/BIM and estimating software.

Qualifications

• Two+ years of technical education in engineering or construction management.
• 5+ years estimating experience in construction, preferably electric power or infrastructure.
• Experience estimating transmission, distribution, substations, or heavy civil projects.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, Outlook, and estimating software.
• Ability to read CAD/BIM drawings and construction plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating for electric power projects (transmission lines, substations).
• Develop bid schedules and coordinate procurement and plan delivery.
• Prepare cost estimates via takeoffs, labor calculations, and pricing.
• Maintain material pricing, labor rates, and estimating databases.
• Manage estimating software and related systems.
• Price change orders and provide cost analyses for ongoing work.
• Evaluate bids and costs to improve accuracy and maintain history.
• Develop estimating standards and budgeting methods.
• Train and mentor estimators for consistency and efficiency.
• Collaborate with project teams throughout the estimating process.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Analytical thinking

Excel proficiency

CAD/BIM interpretation

Communication skills

Estimating software

Project budgeting

Education

Technical education in engineering/ construction management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

CAD/BIM viewers

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Estimating Manager – Electric Power (Transmission & Distribution)Location:

Deforest, WIHire Type:

Full-TimeCompensatio

n:

Based on ExperienceBenefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTOOverviewWe are seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead estimating efforts for electric power infrastructure projects, including transmission and distribution (T&D) powerlines and substations. This role is responsible for developing accurate project estimates, managing estimating systems, analyzing bid results, and mentoring a team of estimators. The ideal candidate has a strong background in construction estimating, leadership experience, and the ability to manage a high volume of estimates while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating efforts for electric power projects, including transmission lines and substations.
• Develop bid schedules and coordinate the procurement and return of project plans.
• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates through quantity takeoffs, labor calculations, and solicitation of material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
• Maintain current material pricing, labor rates, and estimating databases to ensure competitive and accurate bids.
• Manage and maintain estimating software and related systems.
• Price project change orders and provide cost analyses for ongoing work.
• Evaluate bid results and completed project costs to improve estimating accuracy and maintain historical cost databases.
• Develop estimating standards, budgeting methodologies, and "rules of thumb" for conceptual estimating.
• Train, mentor, and support estimators to promote consistency, efficiency, and professional development.
• Participate in departmental meetings and collaborate with project teams throughout the estimating process.
• Perform additional estimating and departmental tasks as assigned.

QualificationsRequired:

• Minimum of two years of technical education in engineering, construction management, or completion of a related apprenticeship.
• 5+ years of estimating experience within the construction industry, preferably supporting electric power, utility, or infrastructure projects.
• Experience estimating transmission, distribution, substation, or other heavy civil/electrical construction projects.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and estimating software.
• Ability to interpret CAD/BIM drawings and construction plans.
• Experience managing a wide range of project sizes and producing approximately 120–200 estimates annually, depending on project complexity.
• Leadership experience with the ability to mentor and guide estimating teams.

Preferred Skills

• Experience managing estimating databases and historical cost information.
• Knowledge of change order pricing and post-project cost analysis.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, labor productivity, and material pricing trends.
• Experience developing conceptual estimating tools and budgeting methodologies.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based with occasional visits to active construction sites. Responsibilities include prolonged computer work, preparing estimates, reviewing drawings, and collaborating with internal teams. Site visits may require walking uneven terrain, climbing ladders or stairs, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Travel to project sites may be required using a personal vehicle.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.