Estimator

Henkels & McCoy, Inc.; Livingston (NJ); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Henkels & McCoy, Inc. in Livingston, NJ is seeking an Estimator I – Power Utilities to prepare timely, accurate, and competitive cost estimates for electric utility projects, including distribution, transmission, substations, and related civil work.

The role supports bid preparation for utility-driven work scopes and collaborates with operations, engineering, and project management to ensure estimates meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction estimating, preferably within the electric utility or power delivery industry.
• Ability to read and interpret utility drawings, specifications, and standards.
• Understanding of electric utility construction methods, materials, and industry practices.
• Experience with computerized estimating and bidding software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant estimating experience.
• 1–3 years of experience estimating.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for electric utility projects, including overhead and underground distribution, transmission lines, substations, and associated civil work.
• Analyze utility bid documents, drawings, specifications, work orders, and standards to develop accurate pricing.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor estimates using historical cost data, productivity rates, and utility-specific unit pricing.
• Assist with estimating for long-term utility programs, including master service agreements and task-order based work.
• Participate in site visits to assess field conditions, access constraints, and constructability considerations specific to power utility work.
• Support change order pricing by evaluating scope changes, unit rate adjustments, and field-driven modifications.
• Maintain organized bid documentation and estimating backups to meet internal review and utility audit requirements.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, supply chain, and project management teams to validate assumptions and align estimating strategies.
• Assist in developing and refining estimating guidelines, databases, and cost models specific to electric utility construction.
• Interface with utility clients and internal stakeholders to support bid presentations, clarifications, and planning discussions.
• Ensure all estimates align with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements applicable to power utilities.

Skills

Construction estimating

Reading utility drawings & specs

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Analytical skills

Communication across teams

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

Estimating software platforms

Job description

Overview

Henkels & McCoy, Inc. (H&M)is a leading utility construction firm providing critical infrastructure for the power, oil & gas pipeline, telecommunications, and gas distribution markets throughout North America. Founded in 1923, the firm adapts a century of experience to the dynamic infrastructure needs of today. H&M leverages the collective strength of its diverse disciplines to create seamless integrations between projects, clients, team members, and communities. The company has been recognized with an E. I. DuPont Safety Excellence Award.

H&M is a purpose-driven company. Our core values guide our strategy, performance, and culture. We believe in maintaining an environment where team members can make an impact, grow, and thrive. A place where they find meaning and purpose in doing the important work of ensuring communities have the vital energy, light, and communications to prosper. Our culture is inclusive and welcoming. Our teams are empowered with abundant training, tools, and opportunities to follow their curiosity and ambitions. Everyone has an equal chance to advance. Everyone is supported, respected, and challenged to be their best. We’re always looking for talented and dedicated people to join us and love where they work.

Henkels & McCoy is a proud subsidiary of MasTec (NYSE: MTZ), a Fortune 500 Company ranked by Engineering News-Record as one of the leading contractors in the country. H&M is part of the MasTec Power Delivery segment. We are certified as a minority-controlled company by the National Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC). Our rich diversity of people and ideas makes us a stronger, more innovative organization.

The Estimator I – Power Utilities is responsible for preparing timely, accurate, and competitive cost estimates for electric utility construction projects and programs. This role supports power distribution, transmission, substation, and storm restoration work for utility clients and assists in planning projects to ensure efficient use of labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors in accordance with contract requirements, schedules, and safety standards.

Under general supervision, the Estimator I supports bid preparation for utility-driven work scopes, including unit-price, lump-sum, and program-based contracts, while adhering to Henkels & McCoy’s Project Management Methodology and safety and quality management protocols.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for electric utility projects, including overhead and underground distribution, transmission lines, substations, and associated civil work
• Analyze utility bid documents, drawings, specifications, work orders, and standards to develop accurate pricing
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor estimates using historical cost data, productivity rates, and utility-specific unit pricing
• Assist with estimating for long-term utility programs, including master service agreements and task-order based work
• Participate in site visits to assess field conditions, access constraints, and constructability considerations specific to power utility work
• Support change order pricing by evaluating scope changes, unit rate adjustments, and field-driven modifications
• Maintain organized bid documentation and estimating backups to meet internal review and utility audit requirements
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, supply chain, and project management teams to validate assumptions and align estimating strategies
• Assist in developing and refining estimating guidelines, databases, and cost models specific to electric utility construction
• Interface with utility clients and internal stakeholders to support bid presentations, clarifications, and planning discussions
• Ensure all estimates align with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements applicable to power utilities

Qualifications

• Experience in construction estimating, preferably within the electric utility or power delivery industry
• Ability to read and interpret utility drawings, specifications, and standards
• Understanding of electric utility construction methods, materials, and industry practices
• Experience with computerized estimating and bidding software
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related fieldor equivalent combination of education and relevant estimating experience
• 1-3 years of experience estimating

Henkels & McCoy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities