Estimator (Transmission)

Irby Construction Company; Lockhart (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

Job summary

Irby Construction Company in Lockhart, Texas, is seeking an Estimator responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for utility, infrastructure, and civil projects. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and experience in utility estimating.

This role requires collaboration with project managers and engineers to ensure alignment with project requirements. Benefits include paid vacation, health insurance, and a supportive workplace culture.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in utility or infrastructure estimating (gas, electric, civil).
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, codes, and installation practices.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple bids simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
• Review RFPs, RFQs, drawings, and specifications.
• Collaborate closely with project managers and engineers.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Project management

Electrical systems knowledge

Construction methods understanding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

5+ years of experience in utility or infrastructure estimating

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Bluebeam

Microsoft Project

Job description

About Us

Irby Construction Company has been building infrastructure for the power industry for more than 75 years. Our business values and performance‑driven mindset guide our actions. Our approach to work starts with safety, puts people first, seeks to innovate, and promises to perform.

Irby is proud of its inclusive work environment, family‑oriented culture, excellent benefits, and clear pathways for career growth. We strive to provide every employee with clear expectations and opportunities for advancement. What’s more, Irby has long‑valued tenure. In fact, many of our executive leaders started with Irby early in their careers and in the field.

When you join our team, you join an established firm, with a culture centered around its people. Teamwork is how we work. There is no other way. Pride is ever‑present inside our offices and the bond of brotherhood runs strong among our crews.

Irby Construction is a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Quanta Services. That means team Irby gets the benefits of the company culture we’re known for along with the stability and resources of a Fortune 500 organization. (NYSE: PWR).

Build your career at Irby Construction.

About This Role

An Estimator at Irby Construction Company is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for utility, infrastructure, and civil construction projects. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret project specifications, drawings, and bid documents. The Estimator collaborates with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams to ensure estimates align with project requirements and organizational goals.

What You’ll Do

• Review RFPs, RFQs, drawings, and specifications to determine project scope and requirements.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
• Identify high-risk cost areas and recommend contingencies or mitigation strategies.
• Send out scope requests and contract information to potential subcontractors for pricing quotes.
• Validate subcontractor and vendor pricing for accuracy and scope alignment.
• Develop bid clarifications and proposal documents for submission to clients.
• Develop detailed electrical cost estimates for data centers and other large EPC projects.
• Participate in preconstruction planning and conceptual budgeting during early project development stages.
• Create work breakdown structures and cost code alignment for estimates.
• Incorporate risk analysis and contingency planning into estimates.
• Maintain historical cost data and update estimating databases for accuracy.
• Review drawings, specifications, and design documents to identify scope and potential cost impacts.
• Perform quantity take-offs using Bluebeam and/or other digital tools.
• Manage vendor and subcontractor pricing, ensuring comprehensive and timely coverage.
• Maintain cost databases, benchmarking tools, and historical records to support pricing consistency and continuous improvement.
• Support handoff from estimating to project management post‑award, ensuring scope clarity and cost integrity.
• Participate in forecasting cost and cash flow of projects.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams during bid preparation.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and trade partners to ensure estimating accuracy and alignment with project requirements.
• Participate in pre‑bid meetings and site walks to gather project details.
• Communicate estimate assumptions and requirements to stakeholders.
• Ensure estimates comply with company standards, client requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain organized bid folders for drawings, specifications, correspondence, and clarifications.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in utility or infrastructure estimating (gas, electric, civil).
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, and industry standards.
• Proficiency in estimating software and MS Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple bids simultaneously.
• Experience in electrical estimating, preferably within data center, industrial, or mission‑critical projects.
• Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, and modern estimating software (e.g., Accubid, Trimble, ConEst, or similar).
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, codes, and installation practices.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret drawings, technical specs, and schedules.
• Tech‑savvy and detail‑oriented, with a commitment to accuracy and efficiency.

Preferred

• Familiarity with public works departments, utility companies, and government agencies (local, state, or federal).
• Experience with Department of Energy (DOE) or related infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) for government bids.
• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) – American Society of Professional Estimators.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) – PMI (preferred for senior estimators).
• OSHA Safety Certification (preferred).

Physical Qualifications

• Primarily office‑based with occasional travel to project sites for pre‑bid meetings and site assessments.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 20 pounds (e.g., project documents, laptop).
• Must be able to navigate construction sites safely when visiting field locations.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What You’ll Get

• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact the Company’s Human Resources department.