Estimator

Sterling Engineering; De Forest (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering seeks an Estimator to support Electric Power projects, including Transmission & Distribution powerlines and substations. This role will prepare accurate cost estimates, maintain estimating systems, and support the bid process from takeoffs through project award.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and analytical, capable of managing a high volume of estimates while collaborating with internal teams and subcontractors.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of technical education in engineering, construction management, or a completed apprenticeship in a related trade.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of CAD and/or BIM drawings.

Responsibilities

• Develop bid schedules in coordination with department leadership.
• Obtain and manage project plans and specifications for assigned estimates.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and project cost estimates.
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from material suppliers, equipment vendors, and subcontractors.
• Maintain current material pricing and labor rates to ensure estimate accuracy.
• Manage and maintain estimating software and related estimating systems.
• Prepare pricing for project change orders as needed.
• Review bid results to evaluate market pricing trends and maintain historical bid databases.
• Compare completed project costs against original estimates to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Develop estimating guidelines and budget forecasting methods for conceptual estimates.
• Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to continuous process improvements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Technical education (2 yrs)

Tools

CAD

BIM

MS Office

Job description

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience

Position Overview

We are seeking an Estimator to support Electric Power projects, including Transmission & Distribution (T&D) powerlines and substations. This role is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates, maintaining estimating systems and databases, and supporting the bid process from initial takeoffs through project award. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and comfortable managing a high volume of estimates while collaborating with internal teams and subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop bid schedules in coordination with department leadership.


• Obtain and manage project plans and specifications for assigned estimates.


• Prepare detailed and accurate quantity takeoffs and project cost estimates.


• Solicit and evaluate pricing from material suppliers, equipment vendors, and subcontractors.


• Maintain current material pricing and labor rates to ensure estimate accuracy.


• Manage and maintain estimating software and related estimating systems.


• Prepare pricing for project change orders as needed.


• Review bid results to evaluate market pricing trends and maintain historical bid databases.


• Compare completed project costs against original estimates to improve future estimating accuracy.


• Develop estimating guidelines and budget forecasting methods for conceptual estimates.


• Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to continuous process improvements.


• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of two years of technical education in engineering, construction management, or a completed apprenticeship in a related trade.


• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.


• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.


• Working knowledge of CAD and/or BIM drawings.


• Ability to manage a high-volume workload, preparing approximately 120–200 estimates annually, depending on project complexity.

Preferred

• Previous estimating experience within the construction, utility, electrical, or industrial industries.


• Experience estimating electric power, transmission & distribution, or substation projects.

This position is primarily office-based with occasional travel to project sites as needed. Responsibilities include prolonged computer use, reviewing drawings and specifications, and performing quantity takeoffs. Site visits may require walking active construction sites, climbing stairs or ladders, light lifting, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation may be required for site visits.

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.